Congratulations to Jacob on this well-deserved recognition!

And now, we’re pleased to share a short interview with Jacob, where he reflects on his experience at UNTF, his research, and his development as the NTR-Net Student: How did it feel to be awarded the best oral presentation?

It was a fantastic surprise and a great end to an engaging conference. I’m grateful for the recognition, especially as the only nuclear forensics presenter. It was rewarding to spark interest among decommissioning and disposal researchers in both my work and NTR-Net.

Can you briefly explain your PhD and its significance?

My PhD focuses on intentional forensics of oxide nuclear fuels using dopants with perturbed isotopic abundance. The aim is to create uniquely fingerprinted fuel to improve identification of materials outside regulatory control and reduce uncertainty in forensic analysis.

What are your plans after your PhD?

I hope to continue advancing in nuclear forensics—a field I’ve become deeply passionate about. The experiences and opportunities from my PhD have significantly boosted my career prospects.

How has NTR-Net enriched your PhD journey?

NTR-Net has been instrumental, offering training and exposure to the nuclear community. From my first day at the NuFor conference to media training at the summer school, the support has helped me grow professionally and refine my presentation skills.

The link to the winners page: UNTF