Energy Explorers program catalyzes high school students

On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, the Maryland Energy Innovation Institute (MEI²) and the UMD Radiation Facilities (UMDRF) hosted 40+ local high students for their Energy Explorers program. The students were able to tour the research reactor, learn how to construct their own batteries, and talk to clean energy researchers.

The Energy Explorers program was facilitated by an E² Energy to Educate grant from Constellation energy. As part of their commitment to education, E² Energy to Educate grant awards support projects that are team oriented, hands-on projects with specific results. E² Energy to Educate projects enhance student understanding of the science and technology needed to address energy issues and reach and inspire students to think differently about energy. This past year, only 24 projects were awarded for $505,000 across 9 states.

Energy Explorers is a clean energy initiative designed to expand access to and understanding of nuclear energy production and energy storage technologies for high school students. The program builds on the university’s long-standing research reactor tour by adding hands-on activities, college resources, and mentorship. Participants experience the Maryland University Training Reactor (MUTR), engage in structured labs such as battery assembly, and interact with graduate students and faculty to learn about advanced reactors, clean energy technologies and commercialization of these technologies. Prof. Shen Ren, from the Materials Science and Engineering Department, connected the tours to the countless opportunities available for undergraduate students.

Within the UMDRF, the MUTR is a water-cooled, pool-type nuclear reactor used for research and education. The reactor uses a uranium/zirconium hydride (TRIGA – Training Research Isotopes General Atomics) fuel with excellent safety characteristics.

Amber Johnson, Director of the UMDRF, noted, “This grant allows us to share our campus research reactor with local high school students who are interested in exploring nuclear technology related careers. The students really enjoyed learning about radiation, reactor operator training, and the applications of research reactors.”

Dr. Gibson Scisco, who manages the UMD Battery Prototyping Lab, provided the opportunity to assemble functional battery cells. Fundamental electrochemistry, kinetics, thermodynamics, and material properties and their impact on cell and battery pack design, performance, and safety for lithium chemistry batteries were discussed. “

The Energy Explorer’s program was a great opportunity to connect with future engineers and showcase the exciting battery research and education opportunities they can experience if they come to UMD,” said Dr. Scisco.

The students were also able to meet with Dr. Saqib Mohammad, who works for the UMD startup, Alchemity, whose small-scale chemical reactor produces clean fuel from methane with zero carbon emissions. Alchemity was founded by Dr. Eric Wachsman, Distinguished University Professor and Director of MEI². Dr. Mohammad provided a tour of Alchemity’s labs and discussed the transition from lab scale research to commercial viability.

The program will be held again in the Fall of 2026.

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**The Maryland Energy Innovation Institute's mission is to catalyze clean energy technology to address climate change, stimulate economic growth, and create a sustainable future.

**The Maryland University Training Reactor (MUTR) is a water-cooled, pool-type nuclear reactor used for research and education. The reactor uses a uranium/zirconium hydride (TRIGA – Training Research Isotopes General Atomics) fuel with excellent safety characteristics. The MUTR is licensed by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission to operate at thermal powers up to 250 kW, and is used to support the educational missions of the University of Maryland, as well as provide a source of neutrons and other radiation for research applications.

Published April 1, 2026