Morgan State Lands $2.4M Grant for Nuclear Energy Project

Big news from Morgan State University! They’ve just secured a significant $2.4 million grant to spearhead an innovative energy research project. This isn’t just any grant; it’s a landmark achievement that positions Morgan State as the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to lead a project funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

Pioneering Nuclear Energy Conversion

The project, aptly named ‘Rads to Watts,’ focuses on a truly cutting-edge concept: converting nuclear radiation directly into electrical energy. This groundbreaking initiative is being led by the university’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE).

Oscar Barton Jr., dean of the Clarence M. Mitchell Jr. School of Engineering, expressed immense pride in the award. He stated that it not only reflects the strength of Morgan State’s research capabilities but also its ability to manage high-impact, federally funded projects addressing critical national challenges. This award underscores Morgan’s growing reputation as a hub for advanced engineering research and innovation.

The ‘Rads to Watts’ Initiative

Dr. Michael Spencer, a distinguished professor in ECE, is at the helm of the Rads to Watts project. He shared the team’s excitement about participating in this DARPA initiative. Their primary goal is to demonstrate a scalable system that meets rigorous performance, safety, and durability standards, paving the way for even more powerful energy implementations in the future.

Under Dr. Spencer’s leadership, a dedicated team of researchers at Morgan State will collaborate with several prominent organizations. These partners include industry leaders like Northrop Grumman and Applied Research Associates, as well as research institutions such as Widetronix, Omega Project, and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

Introducing the Symphonee Device

A key component of this project is the development of ‘Symphonee,’ a device built upon over two decades of research by Morgan State scientists. This innovative technology features a multi-junction silicon carbide (SiC) PIN structure, specifically designed to work with strontium-90 and yttrium-90 radioisotopes.

The potential applications are vast. If successfully developed and commercialized, Symphonee could generate kilowatts of power for remote locations, including the Arctic or even outer space. Furthermore, it holds promise for use in implantable medical devices, showcasing its versatility and impact.

Funding and Future Potential

The Rads to Watts project has an initial funding period of 15 months. However, there are provisions for additional funding options, including an extra $937,489 for nine months and $28,237 for six months. If all funding options are exercised, the total investment in this project could reach an impressive $3.3 million.