Radiation Science & Engineering Center
The Radiation Science & Engineering Center (RSEC) was established in 1990 to manage Penn State's comprehensive nuclear research facilities, including the Breazeale Nuclear Reactor, Gamma Irradiation Facility, Radioactive sources and Radiation measurement resources. The RSEC is an independent unit under the Vice President for Research and the Dean of the College of Engineering at Penn State University. The RSEC provides safe nuclear analytical and testing facilities in support of the research and education activities of faculty, staff, and students at Penn State. The Center's resources are also available to users from other universities and educational institutions, governmental agencies, and corporations as part of the public service functions of the Penn State University, symbolized by its status as the Land Grant Institution of The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The RSEC facilities, most of which are housed in the Breazeale Nuclear Reactor Building, are some of the most unique and flexible in the country.
- History of the Breazeale Nuclear Reactor
- Message from the Director
- Research at the Radiation Science & Engineering Center (RSEC)
Neutron Beam Laboratory Expansion Progress
Click Here to view some of the latest photos from the newest addition to the Radiation Science and Engineering Center: a 12,000 Sq Ft. addiation that includes space added onto the existing neutron beam lab in preparation of recieving the Small Angular Neutron Scattering equipement from the Berlin Neutron Source (BER II) and an upper floor office space for students, faculty, and staff.
How the Amelia Earhart mystery may inform microplastics research
Upgraded facility at Penn State's Breazeale Nuclear Reactor reveals old information and exposes contemporary challenges. Read More... - by Ashley WennersHerron
Breazeale Reactor achieves first simultaneous neutron beam operations
The Penn State Breazeale Reactor is the country’s first licensed and longest continuously operating nuclear research reactor, and now it is one of the most productive. Thanks to a $1.35 million grant from the U.S. Department Energy (DOE) for a new core moderator assembly and beam port installations and the College of Engineering’s $9.5 million investment in a 10,000-square-foot beam hall expansion and several technical upgrades the investment facilitated, the reactor can now run five beam ports with seven neutron beam lines simultaneously. Read more...
Reactor Open House - October 8, 2022
As part of Parents & Families Weekend this Fall, the Breazeale Reactor will be opening it's doors to visitors as it has in years past. From 10AM to 3PM on Saturday, October 8, 2022 make plans to join us here at the RSEC for reactor demonstrations, radiation experimens, and discussion of all things to do with nuclear science. Adults will need to show a valid form of photo ID upon entry - cell phones, cameras, bags, purses, food and drinks will need to be stored away during the tour.
For more information about Parents & Families weekend at Univeristy Park, what other events are happening that weekend, and how to register - please visit their website: PARENTS & FAMILIES WEEKEND.
Any questions about the Reactor Open House can be directed to Outreach Coordinator, Zach Van Horn at zjv5001@psu.edu or 814-863-2876. We hope to see you there!
Congratulations to Candace Davison
Candace Davison, Assistant Director for Education and Outreach at RSEC, retired from the University at the end of April. She was the first woman to obtain a Senior Reactor Operator's license for the Breazeale Reactor. In addition to her work with the reactor, Candace also managed the Gamma Irradiation facilities at RSEC. Her work in nuclear science outreach has proven invaluable to the Center, the University, and the nuclear community at large. Her presence in the building will be missed by us all and we wish her the very best in her future adventures.
For inquiries into tours, outreach, and gamma irradiation services - please contact Zach Van Horn (zjv5001@psu.edu). Zach is a former student of Candace's and has joined our team as Outreach Coordinator and Gamma Irradiation Supervisor.
Zach has many years of experience in outreach and gamma irradiations at RSEC working under Candace. He graduated from Penn State with a B.S. in Nuclear Engineering and is also a licensed Reactor Operator for the Breazeale Reactor. His homegrown talent will be a valuable asset during this transition. Our capabilities and functions within the facility are in good hands.
At the Nexus of Nuclear Engineering
Read more about the RSEC News and Updates in the latest publication of NUCLEUS magazine:
Penn State Reactor Expands Size and Opportunities
Penn State’s Radiation Science & Engineering Center and the Ken and Mary Alice Lindquist Department of Nuclear Engineering broke ground on a 10,000-square-foot, $9.5 million expansion of the Breazeale Reactor on Oct. 21. The nation’s first licensed and longest continuously operating nuclear research reactor, Breazeale’s expansion will accommodate an equipment donation valued at $9.8 million and facilitate more advanced neutron beam research as well as the growth of nuclear engineering at Penn State. Read more...
Neutron instrument VSANS will be moved to Penn State
At the end of 2019, the Berlin neutron source BER II was shtudown as scheduled. To ensure that the high-quality instruments can continue to be used for research, they are moving to suitable neutron sources in Germany and abroad. Now, another move has been agreed upon: The Very Small Angle Scattering Instrument (VSANS) will find a new home at the Breazeale Research Reactor at Penn State University, USA, in spring 2022. Read more...
Nuclear science, engineering spark collaborations across Penn State and beyond
The RSEC and the Ken and Mary Alice Lindquist Department of Nuclear Engineering joinly map research endeavors with expansion and $9.8M equipment donation Read more...
Women's History Month - Penn State Women in Nuclear
In 1972, Jackie Scheurin Tate (pictured far left), a senior in nuclear engineering, became the first woman to earn a reactor operator license at Penn State. In 1990, Candace Davison (pictured far right), who is an assistant director for education and outreach at the Radiation Science & Engineering Center, was the first woman to be licensed as a senior reactor operator at the University.
$100K Nuclear Engineering Alumnus Gift Supports Reactor Licensing Program
The Moul Family Fund for Reactor Operator Internships, Don and Julie Moul's $100,000 endowment will allow undergraduate and graduate nuclear engineering students to earn their federal nuclear operator license through a yearlong training program and exam — all at no cost. Read more...
Investigating Amelia Earhart's disappearance mystery with neutrons
Researchers at Penn State's Breazeale Nuclear Reactor are using neutron radiography and neutron activation analysis to examine the external and internal makeup, respectively, of a metal patch that may belong to Amelia Earhart. Read more...
Eugene Wigner Visits Penn State
Despite attempts
Dr. Ünlü received ANS Radiation Science and Technology Award
RSEC's director, Dr. Kenan Ünlü, was selected to receive the 2020 Radiation Science and Technology Award from the American Nuclear Society (ANS) Isotopes and Radiation Division (IRD). He will be honored at the ANS Winter Meeting, held virtually from Nov. 16-19. Read more about it, here:
U.S. Army - Operation Nittany Lion increased deployment readiness during COVID
RSEC is proud to have assisted the 20th CBRNE Nuclear Disablement Team 3 with their training. Read more about their exercise here:
Parents & Families Weekend Virtual Open House
Thank-You to everyone who participated in the 2020 Virtual Open House! Hopefully we'll see in you in person, soon. In the meantime, keep checking in for facinating stories from the reactor's past from our alumni.
On August 15, 1955 the world's first civilian nuclear reactor reached criticality on the campus of Penn State University. This year, we're celebrating 65 years under the R-2 License and preparing for many more to come.
Candace Davison, Assistant Director for Education and Outreach, participates with OLLI at Penn State as an instructor
RSEC Eduation and Outreach is adjusting to online instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Illuminating Illusions exhibit at HUB is now digital
RSEC contribution to the Penn State Museum Consortium exhibit, Illuminating Illusions, is now available online.
RSEC featured in Research Penn State Magazine
Nuclear Options by Cherie Winner was published in Research Penn State Magazine in Fall of 2018. You can find it on page 12 or read it online.
"Research reactor fulfills Ike's vision of 'atoms for peace.'"
Radiation Science and Engineering Center Receives $1 million DOE grant
