New Nuclear Engineering Program Sees Early National Recognition as Workforce Demand Rises
(UCBJ) – Two rising sophomores at Tennessee Technological University have been awarded stipends through the U.S. Department of Energy to present research at the 67th annual meeting of the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management (INMM) in Austin, Texas.
INMM describes the conference as “the premier event for companies that serve the technical fields associated with nuclear materials management.” This year’s theme is “Navigating New Nuclear: Building Partnerships to Advance Innovation.”
With more than 500 attendees expected, the conference represents a major opportunity for students and for Tennessee Tech’s expanding nuclear engineering program.
Miche Cambie-Fabris, one of the selected students, said the stipend is part of a highly competitive award program.
“The stipend is an award given to approximately 25 students or young professionals working in radiological security or a related field,” Cambie-Fabris said. “The stipend covers most trip expenses, including flights, hotel accommodations, conference admission and meals. It also includes a one-year membership to the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management.”
Cambie-Fabris said the upcoming trip marks a major milestone in her academic career.
“This will be my first professional conference, which makes the opportunity especially exciting for me,” she said. “I’m looking forward to presenting and networking with professionals in the field.”
Lacey Coates, the second Tennessee Tech student selected, also earned recognition for her research during the university’s Research and Creative Inquiry Symposium. She said the opportunity reflects both personal growth and broader representation in STEM fields.
“I am beyond thankful for the opportunities that I have been given,” Coates said. “I pray that I can be a role model for any of the girls out there wondering if they can do engineering. Being a woman in STEM can be hard. I hope that one day a woman doing engineering is not seen as sometimes exceptional, but instead is seen as something normal. The opportunities I have at Tennessee Tech are allowing me to do things I never thought possible, and for that, I am very grateful.”
Launched in 2024, Tennessee Tech’s nuclear engineering program was only the second baccalaureate-level nuclear engineering program in Tennessee. The program was created to help meet rising workforce demand in the nuclear energy sector, which accounts for approximately 40% of Tennessee’s electricity generation.
Student participation in high-profile professional conferences like INMM is expected to elevate the program’s national visibility while strengthening ties with industry and government partners.
Manish Sharma, assistant professor of nuclear engineering at Tennessee Tech, said the recognition reflects both student performance and program momentum.
“Being selected for a competitive U.S. Department of Energy stipend, supported by the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Office of Radiological Security, is both an honor and a significant achievement,” Sharma said. “For a new program like ours, this level of national recognition highlights the quality of our students and the hands-on opportunities we are committed to providing from the very beginning. It also reinforces our vision of establishing Tennessee Tech as a strong and emerging contributor to the nuclear engineering field.”
For Cambie-Fabris and Coates, the experience reflects what they describe as strong faculty support and growing opportunity within the department.
“I have loved getting to know the staff and getting hands-on experience,” Coates said. “I have made such amazing friendships inside the department with my classmates. The professors in the nuclear department truly fight for you. Without Dr. Sharma and [Nuclear Engineering Technician] Mrs. Samantha Travis, I would not have half the opportunities that I have.”
She added that Tennessee Tech stands out for its level of access and opportunity.
“Tennessee Tech is truly an amazing university, and this is an amazing department,” Coates said.
Photo courtesy of Tennessee Tech.
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