Alexander E. Perry

B.S. Nuclear Engineering - Texas A&M University 2019

Ph.D. Nuclear Engineering - Texas A&M University 2022 (in progress)

Biography

I am currently a first year graduate student pursuing a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from Texas A&M University. After completing my Bachelors degree, I decided that I would like to pursue higher education and enrolled in a direct Ph.D. program. I have been awarded the College of Engineering Fellowship, a merit based award for the first year of graduate school, from the Texas A&M University College of Engineering Department. I am currently pursuing research in the development of individualized cancer treatment through the utilization of computed tomography (CT) scans and parallel monte carlo codes. I anticipate completing my Ph.D. by Spring of 2022 and hope to pursue a career where I can utilize my computational skills and satisfy my medical interests.

Background

I was born and raised in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. I attended the Science and Engineering Magnet (SEM) high school at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center which fostered my passion for mathematics, science, and ultimately nuclear engineering. I graduated from SEM both in the top ten percent and as president of my class. I then went on to attend Texas A&M University for my Bachelor of Science in nuclear engineering. With the college preparation and Advanced Placement (AP) credits I received from SEM, I was then able to complete my undergraduate degree in three years. Not only was I able to graduate a whole year early, but I graduated from the Engineering Honors program with Summa Cum Laude recognition, all while working various part time jobs as a handyman and student research technician. During my undergraduate degree, I participated in two internships, one study abroad, and three graduate level classes. The progress I made toward my graduate degree during my undergraduate career has enabled me to shorten the duration of my Ph.D. program by approximately one and a half semesters, moving my anticipated graduation date to Spring of 2022.

Unique Experiences

In addition to the summer internships and work experience that I have gained during my academic career, I have also participated in a handful of noteworthy experiences:

Investigative Research

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

During the winter of 2019, I visited Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) with my adviser and peer to engage in exploratory work with the diffusion division at the lab. This work involved the utilization of hybrid Monte Carlo methods for utilization in health physics applications. During my time at ORNL, I was able to work with two of their super-computer, Romulus and Reemus, and provide input for assistance in the development of their new code, SHIFT.

Facilities Tour

Oak Ridge Associated Universities

In addition to my exploratory research at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory during the winter of 2019, I was also able to network with professionals at Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), earning the opportunity to tour their facilities. This opportunity included a personal introduction to the Radiation Emergency Assistance Center / Training Site (REAC/TS), a National Nuclear Security Agency (NNSA) facility dedicated to the rapid response of radiation emergencies on both local and international scale.

Study Abroad

Radioactive Waste Management Program

During the Spring semester of 2018, I enrolled in a course regarding the Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Management. In this course, I was exposed to both technical and political aspects of domestic and foreign nuclear fuel cycles. Following completion of this course I was able to tour nuclear facilities across the United States, France, Switzerland, and Austria to observe nuclear waste management. Visited facilities included Areva La Hague Reprocessing Plant, Swiss Federal Office of Energy, NAGRA, ZWILAG, Paul Scherrer Institut, Grimsel Test Site, Mont Terri, and the International Atomic Energy Agency. The opportunities afforded to me during this study abroad emphasized the importance of proper fuel management and highlighted the different approaches each country has taken to ensure their own nuclear stability.

Europe Travel Schedule.pdf

Study Abroad Itenerary

Student Delegation

Nuclear Energy Capabilities Program

During the summer of 2018, I was selected to participate in a student delegation to Kazakstan. During this week long visit, myself and eight other nuclear engineering students were hosted by the U.S. Embassy in Astana as traveled through the country. We departed from Almaty and traveled by rail to the Semipalatinsk Test Site for Ground Zero. Following this location, we visited the Kazak National Nuclear Center and then continued to participate in a student exchange with the Institute of Nuclear Physics and Shakarim State University.

Gallery

Visiting with former president of the Health Physics Society (Left to Right: Dr. Eric Abelquist, Alexander Perry, Ethan Asano, Dr. Jason Davis)

Touring Radiation Emergency Assistance Center / Training Cite (REAC/TS) with peer Ethan Asano

Visiting Oak Ridge National Laboratory for exploratory research with peer Ethan Asano

Acceptance of the College Of Engineering (COE) Fellowship

Presenting poster over dose coefficients from cranial and caudal neutron sources at Undergraduate Research Day