Category: Research
Sen. Ted Cruz visits ACU’s NEXT Lab
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz visited Abilene Christian University’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Laboratory (NEXT Lab) Aug. 20 to learn more about the groundbreaking nuclear research taking place, sponsored by Natura Resources. Cruz toured the new Dillard Science and Engineering Research Center where nuclear research is underway and where the future reactor will be housed. He also … Continued
ACU establishes Bioanalytics Laboratory, seeks CLIA certification
Building on decades of thriving research, Abilene Christian University has formally established the ACU Bioanalytics Laboratory in the Department of Biology and will begin seeking certification through the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA). Dr. Charla Miertschin, dean of the Onstead College of Science and Engineering, appointed Dr. John Xu as director of the ACU Bioanalytics … Continued
ACU one of 12 universities sharing $25 million from DOE
Abilene Christian University is part of a consortium of 12 universities and 12 national laboratories recently awarded $25 million over the next five years from the U.S. Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) to support the science that underlies its nuclear security and nonproliferation missions. Led by the Georgia Institute of Technology, the … Continued
ACU’s NEXT Lab, Natura Resources complete molten salt transfer from Copenhagen Atomics
Abilene Christian University’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Laboratory recently acquired a test batch of purified salt from Copenhagen Atomics (CA), another step toward deployment of the Natura Resources-funded Molten Salt Research Reactor. ACU is part of the Natura Resources Research Alliance – along with the Georgia Institute of Technology, Texas A&M University and The … Continued
NRC construction permit issuance expected in September
This week the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) announced it will complete the safety assessment and construction permit issuance for the Natura Resources-funded Molten Salt Research Reactor (MSRR) at Abilene Christian University by Sept. 30. In March, the NRC completed the environmental assessment of the Natura-funded MSRR at ACU. The reactor will be the first deployment … Continued
Four ACU students receive major scholarships
A record number of Abilene Christian University students have been awarded major national scholarships this spring. Among the recipients are two graduating seniors who have been honored with Fulbright grants, a third student who will be participating in a Fulbright summer research institute, and a student receiving a 2024 Goldwater Scholarship. Erin Hodgson, a senior … Continued
NRC completes environmental assessment of ACU NEXT Lab
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) recently completed its environmental assessment of Abilene Christian University’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab, a significant milestone in its goal to build a Molten Salt Research Reactor (MSRR). NEXT Lab – in collaboration with Natura Resources – has set out to design, license and commission an MSRR to be … Continued
NEXT Lab director gains access, insight into U.S. Nuclear Navy operations
Abilene Christian University is breaking new ground with its Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Laboratory, or NEXT Lab, creating exciting opportunities for students and faculty. A key example is Dr. Rusty Towell’s recent invitation to the U.S. Navy’s Distinguished Visitor Program, allowing a behind-the-scenes look at the world’s most experienced operator of nuclear reactors. As part … Continued
Cornyn visits ACU’s NEXT Lab, praises nuclear research
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn visited Abilene Christian University’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Laboratory (NEXT Lab) April 2 to learn more about ACU’s research into advanced molten salt reactors, sponsored by Natura Resources. Cornyn toured the new Dillard Science and Engineering Research Center where nuclear research is underway and where the reactor will be housed. He … Continued