Education and Outreach

The Radiation Laboratory fosters interdisciplinary academic activity to support faculty and student research for UML and the entire UMASS system. The laboratory supports existing UML degree programs in sciences, engineering, and other disciplines through faculty and student research, academic course use, student work-study, and student tours. The laboratory is typically used annually by six UML departments and in over 13 courses.

Outreach

One of the most successful educational endeavors at the laboratory is an outreach program sponsored by the Department of Energy. This program, which started at the University in 1985, is popular with area schools, grades 7-12. The goal of this program is two-fold: to motivate student interest in nuclear science and technology, and to utilize the reactor facilities to expand education and outreach opportunities. The program is comprehensive in that it includes lectures, hands-on experiments and tours of the laboratory. Students and teachers may also participate via interactive two-way cable and satellite television. The lectures cover topics on basic radiation physics, the uses of radiation, and nuclear technologies in general.

Distance Education

By taking full advantage of digital data acquisition and control systems in use at the laboratory, remote access to experimental facilities is now possible. Digital neutron radiography can be performed and viewed remotely, for use as both a teaching and research tool.

Another unique capability is a link to real-time and archived data from the UML research reactor. Professor John White has established a website (nuclear101) to serve as an educational resource for students, instructors, and working professionals interested in the nuclear engineering field. The primary focus is on reactor physics, operations, and the modeling and analysis of nuclear systems. The accessible measured data (power level, flow rate, various temperatures, etc.) allows the illustration of many basic concepts needed in the design and operation of any nuclear system.

Tours

Tours of the laboratory may be arranged for during the daytime on weekdays, only by request in advance. Contact us to make an appointment.

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