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
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
Research at Abilene Christian University’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Laboratory (NEXT Lab) – sponsored by Natura Resources – has led to the approval of a second patent as the team works toward designing and building the first university-based Molten Salt Research Reactor. This month, the U.S. Patent and Trademark office will officially award ACU the patent … Continued
The Honorable David Wright, a member of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), visited Abilene Christian University’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Laboratory (NEXT Lab) Dec. 6 to meet with senior leaders from ACU and Natura Resources. Wright is the second NRC official to visit NEXT Lab; NRC chair Christopher Hanson came to ACU’s campus in … Continued
The Honorable Christopher Hanson, chair of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), visited Abilene Christian University’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Laboratory (NEXT Lab) Oct. 12 to meet with senior leaders from ACU and Natura Resources. “Hanson shared his priorities for the NRC, which included advanced reactors, supporting academic institutions and improved safety,” said Dr. Rusty … Continued
The Gayle and Max Dillard Science and Engineering Research Center (SERC) – home of Abilene Christian University’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Laboratory and the future home of one of the first advanced reactors in the United States – opened on Friday with more than 300 people on hand to celebrate the occasion and tour the … Continued
Abilene Christian University’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Laboratory and Abilene-based Natura Resources have taken another step toward construction of one of the first advanced reactors in the United States. Zachry Nuclear Engineering has been selected to design the Natura Resources Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) that will be deployed on ACU’s campus. “Natura Resources is excited … Continued
Students and faculty in the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Laboratory at Abilene Christian University recently published their first peer-reviewed journal article, “A molten salt test loop for component and instrumentation testing,” in the Annals of Nuclear Energy. Highlights of the article include: Development of a forced-flow system for testing molten salt reactor technologies. A molten … Continued
Five students who are a part of the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Laboratory at Abilene Christian University were awarded scholarships from the U.S. Department of Energy’s University Nuclear Leadership Program. Although ACU students have been awarded these scholarships in past years, this is the most scholarships ACU has received in a single cycle. Samuel Ash, … Continued