OPENING PLENARY SESSION AWARDS

ANS Fellows


Dr. Joe C. Turnage
Constellation Energy-Retired

Scientific or technical leadership in a nuclear enterprise of substantial scope.

In recognition of his visionary leadership and direct contributions to the development of methods for improving nuclear plant performance, and for analyzing utility generating system operating strategy.


Dr. John Mattingly
North Carolina State University

Scientific or technical leadership in a nuclear enterprise of substantial scope.

In recognition of his significant contributions to nuclear non-proliferation research and policy including nuclear data adjustment using subcritical neutron multiplicity counting, wide area radiation source localization using Bayesian inference, technical leadership of the Consortium of Nonproliferation Enabling Capabilities, and in ANS’s efforts to promote advanced reactor safeguards.


Dr. Bao-Wen Yang
NTUT (National Taipei University of Technology) & DEGNY (Delta Energy Group New York)

Scientific or technical leadership in a nuclear enterprise of substantial scope.

In recognition of his impactful research and technical leadership in reactor thermal hydraulics, multiphase flow and heat transfer, flow instability, rod bundle critical heat flux, advanced fuel design and qualification, large-scale rod bundle experiments, and subchannel analysis, enhancing modeling capabilities and supporting reactor development.


Dr. Benoit Forget
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Notable original research or invention in the nuclear field.

In recognition of his important and innovative contributions to nuclear reactor analysis, including the development of advanced deterministic transport and Monte Carlo methods that have significantly contributed to high fidelity, multiphysics simulations of nuclear reactors.


Daniel L. Churchman
Southern Nuclear Operating Company

Outstanding achievement in design, engineering, or operations in the nuclear power field or other applications of nuclear technology.

In recognition of his outstanding leadership in operations and engineering of commercial nuclear plants, to successfully establish an operational culture and integration into an operational fleet for the first new plants in the US in 30 years at Vogtle 3&4.


Dr. Deborah Ann Hill
National Nuclear Laboratory

Scientific or technical leadership in a nuclear enterprise of substantial scope.

In recognition of her driving growth in people and processes by combining leadership, technical excellence, and strategic focus with a strong and collaborative work ethic. She is an acknowledged expert and a passionate ambassador within the international nuclear criticality safety community and the American Nuclear Society.


Dr. Fiona E. Rayment
National Nuclear Laboratory

Scientific or technical leadership in a nuclear enterprise of substantial scope.

In recognition of being a world-renowned nuclear scientist and engineer whose passion and leadership have enabled advances in nuclear innovation, infrastructure, and talent. She drives thought diversity across everything that she does and has enabled greater commercial-sector and government engagement nationally and internationally.


Eugene S. Grecheck
Grecheck Consulting LLC

Outstanding achievement in design, engineering, or operations in the nuclear power field or other applications of nuclear technology.

In recognition of leveraged experience gained in leadership in operations and engineering of commercial nuclear plants, to develop innovative solutions and approaches to regulatory and economic challenges, as well as advising a broad spectrum of new nuclear suppliers in assessing safety, economics and market potential of their designs.


Dr. Francesco D’Auria
DIMNP - University of Pisa

Notable original research or invention in the nuclear field.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions to nuclear reactor thermal-hydraulics and in particular best estimate plus uncertainty methods, and his impact as an educator on a generation of nuclear engineers.


Dr. Guillermo Ivan Maldonado
University of Tennessee Knoxville

Outstanding leadership as a teacher in the nuclear field.

In recognition of his distinguished contributions by the development of modeling and simulation methodologies for the analysis, optimization, and isotopic management of nuclear fuel in LWRs and next generation concepts. He has taught over 1,500 students and mentored 70 graduate degrees leading to over 220 peer-reviewed publications with his students.


Dr. Jun Liao
Westinghouse Electric Company

Notable original research or invention in the nuclear field.

In recognition of his original research and technical leadership in the development of loss-of coolant accident safety analysis methodologies for PWRs and the design and demonstration of advanced reactors (AP1000, SMR, microreactor and lead cooled fast reactor) with experiments and analyses.


Matthew Wayne Sunseri
Zeus Enterprises LLC

Outstanding efforts in the areas of nuclear health, safety, safeguards, or regulation.

In recognition of his international executive leadership, nuclear safety insights, and regulatory impact associated with safe operation of nuclear power facilities throughout the world.


Walter H. Zinn Medal


Mr. Abdollah Khanpour
Kinectrics

For his outstanding leadership, technical expertise and dedicated commitment to the design, construction, and operation of nuclear power plants with utmost priority and respect to nuclear and industrial safety.


Untermyer & Cisler Reactor Technology Medal (AESJ)


Dr. Massimiliano Fratoni
University of California Berkeley

For outstanding contributions to the advancement of nuclear technology, specifically for the groundbreaking development of fluoride-cooled pebble-bed reactors and pioneering work in various other advanced reactor technologies.


Landis Young Member Engineering Achievement Award


Dr. Kevin G. Field
University of Michigan

For groundbreaking research and development of accident and radiation tolerant materials for nuclear power generation and his leadership and mentorship in improving the culture within the field of nuclear engineering.


Mishima Award


Dr. M. Grace Burke
Idaho National Laboratory

For enduring and exceptional contributions to our understanding of irradiation-induced microstructural evolution.


Special Award For Achievements And Contributions To Advancing Peaceful Applications Of Nuclear Technology And Addressing Future Challenges


Dr. Joshua L. Vajda
UCOR United Cleanup Oak Ridge

For notable contributions that have significantly advanced regulatory aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle and admirable leadership in nuclear deactivation and decommissioning efforts. His outstanding achievements advance peaceful applications of nuclear technology, address global nonproliferation, and promote environmental sustainability, aligning with the ‘Atoms for Peace’ vision.

Tuesday SPECIAL SESSION AWARDS

Presidential Citations


Christopher M. Crane
(Exelon-Retired) Posthumously

For his steadfast dedication to excellence in nuclear plant operation. He proved that focusing on operational excellence leads to high levels of safety and performance while maintaining economical production. His pursuit of excellence included an unwavering support of diversity, equity and inclusion that led to superior human performance, community representation, and opportunities for all. Accepting on his behalf: Bryan Hanson, EVP & Chief Generation Officer, Constellation.


Stephen E. Kuczynski
Southern Nuclear Operating Company

For Steve Kuczynski, Glen Earl Chick and the entire leadership team involved with Vogtle 3 and 4 nuclear plant construction. The dedication of the team involved in the construction of the first new nuclear units to be built and placed into commercial operation in the United States in over 30 years. The significant challenges overcome by the team are a testament to the dedication of the entire organization involved with the Vogtle project. Completion of this project has helped establish a lasting legacy for the future of nuclear power in the United States and elsewhere.


Matthew D. Wargon
TerraPower, LLC

For outstanding service to many areas of ANS and in particular as the Chair of the Young Members Group. His passion as YMG Chair will continue to spur young member engagement for years to come.


Prof. Elizabeth S. Sooby
University of Texas San Antonio

For outstanding service as Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion in ANS Committee and her steadfast dedication to making ANS a welcoming environment for everyone.


Grace Stanke
Miss America 2023 University of Wisconsin - Madison

For her outstanding service in advocating for nuclear power as a clean reliable source of energy. During her term as Miss America 2023, she traveled to countless locations including clean energy events and schools, where her legacy will continue to inspire the next generation.


Donald R. Eggett
Eggett Consulting, LLC

For his longstanding dedication to the American Nuclear Society and his numerous leadership roles over the decades including Chair of the Standards Board.


Dr. Steven A. Arndt
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

For support of the American Nuclear Society, leading several key initiatives while serving as the Immediate Past President including the Certification Program. He has selflessly devoted himself to the mission of the ANS and supporting the nuclear profession.


Outgoing President Appreciation


Kenneth Petersen
President, 2023 – 2024

As Kenneth S. Petersen concludes his term, we extend heartfelt appreciation for his service to ANS. Ken’s steady and consistent engagement has yielded tangible progress for the Society, including strengthened relationships with major U.S. nuclear utilities, a new mission and vision statement, new headquarters in Chicago and Washington, D.C., and a growing ANS Trustees of Nuclear program. His style of selfless and engaged leadership serves as a model for all of us.  For this and other contributions to ANS and the nuclear community it represents, we thank Ken Petersen for his invaluable contributions. Presented By Lisa Marshall, ANS Vice President, 2023 – 2024.


Distinguished Service Award


Mr. James W. Behrens
U.S. Navy

In recognition of his dedicated service and leadership in ANS at both the national and local section levels.


Dr. Madeline A. Feltus
U.S. Department of Energy

In recognition of her dedicated education of students, mentoring young professionals and involvement in ANS at both the national and local section levels.


Distinguished Public Service Award


Dr. Kathryn D. Huff
U.S. Department of Energy

For outstanding contributions to the advancement of nuclear energy as a public servant, for enduring engagement with the public, industry, national laboratories, universities, and the U.S. and other governments, to inform on its benefits to the country and the world.

Division Awards

Arthur Holly Compton Award in Education (ETWDD)


Prof. Arthur T. Motta
Pennsylvania State University

For his seminal contributions to the study and education of nuclear materials and for his tireless dedication to nuclear engineering education at Penn State.



Samuel Glasstone Award (ETWDD) 


Best Section (tie)
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Pennsylvania State University

Second Place (tie)
University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign
University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez



FCWMD Significant Contribution Award


Dr. Inés Triay
Florida International University

In recognition of her outstanding accomplishments that significantly advanced the scientific, engineering, societal, and regulatory aspects of the transuranic waste management mission.



FCWMD Lifetime Achievement Award


Steven P. Nesbit
LMNT Consulting

In recognition of his decades of dedicated service to the Fuel Cycle and Waste Management Division and to ANS.


John H. Strumpell
Framatome Inc.

In recognition of his lifetime of pioneering contributions to nuclear fuel reliability, safety, and efficiency, and his role in the development of accident-tolerant fuels.


Don Miller Award (HFICD)


Dr. Steven A. Arndt
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

In recognition of his outstanding achievements and impact in the areas of I&C assessment and regulation.


Richard J. Stattel
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Ret.)

In recognition of his extensive contributions to the advancement of digital instrumentation and controls both domestically and internationally in the nuclear industry.


H.M. Hashemian Mid-Career Award (HFICD)


Brent D. Shumaker
AMS Corporation

For his outstanding contributions to the nuclear I&C profession, in the areas of online monitoring (OLM), condition monitoring, and prognostics.


Ted Quinn Early Career Award (HFICD)


Trevor Taylor
Paragon Energy Solutions, LLC

For his contributions to critical digital system upgrades and new designs for operating and advanced reactors in design, licensing and operations for high safety-significant systems.


Dr. Xingang Zhao
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

For his pivotal role in developing and integrating humanmachine interface technologies, particularly digital twins, artificial intelligence, decision science, and prognostics and health management to enhance safety and efficiency of nuclear power plants.


Meritorious Service Award (THD)


Prof. Fan-Bill Cheung
Penn State University

In recognition of his long-standing contributions, lifelong leadership, sustained and exemplary service to the nuclear thermal-hydraulics community.


Early Career Reactor Physicist Award (RPD)


Prof. Brendan M. Kochunas
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

For his significant and original research to develop and implement a 3D-transport code, including advanced multiphysics acceleration methods, for practical full-core, pinresolved LWR applications.


Dr. Christopher M. Perfetti
University of New Mexico

For state-of-the-art advances in the development and application of sensitivity-uncertainty methods for nuclear reactor physics analysis and nuclear criticality safety.

Last modified June 10, 2024, 1:38pm PDT