Over the summer of 2025, the Center for Advanced Small Modular and Microreactors (CASMR) at Texas A&M University hosted 22 undergraduate students and 2 professors from King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for a month-long international Nuclear Summer School. This collaborative educational experience combined cutting-edge research training, technical lectures, hands-on experiments, and cultural immersion in Texas.
Curriculum Overview
The summer school featured an intensive curriculum covering topics such as:
- Nuclear energy systems and reactor safety
- Small and microreactors (SMRs and MRs)
- Nuclear fuel cycles and waste management
- Applications of artificial intelligence in advanced nuclear
- Radiation health physics and cybersecurity
- Simulator session with PWR, BWR, and Nuscale models at CASMR
Beyond the classroom, students participated in research modules and thermal-hydraulic experiments designed to expose them to real-world engineering challenges. These included:
- Subcooled boiling experiments using Helical Cruciform Fuel (HCF) rods
- Natural circulation loop testing with molten salt
- Heat pipe thermal performance and startup behavior measurements
- Characterization of heat pipe wick structures
- Pressure drop measurements in liquid metal-cooled fuel assemblies and pebble bed assemblies
- Upper plenum flow structure visualization and quantification
Students were divided into project teams and worked closely with graduate mentors to formulate hypotheses, conduct experiments, and analyze data. Their work culminated in a poster presentation symposium, where each group shared their findings with faculty and fellow participants, reinforcing a strong foundation in research communication. Each group developed research posters, which they presented at a concluding symposium attended by peers and faculty.
Field Trips and Experiential Learning
The program included visits to several key sites across Texas, providing real-world context for nuclear applications:
- South Texas Project Nuclear Power Plant, Wadsworth
- Wharton County Junior College Nuclear Technology Program
- Disaster City emergency response facility
- TAMU Food Irradiation Lab and Accelerator Lab
- Deep Borehole Demonstration Project in Cameron, TX
- University of Texas Nuclear Engineering Teaching Lab
Cultural Engagement
Outside the lab, students explored the rich culture and history of Texas through planned excursions to the NASA Johnson Space Center, the San Antonio Riverwalk and Alamo, and the Texas State Capitol in Austin. On July 4th, they celebrated Independence Day at the RELLIS Campus with fireworks and festivities.
Experience Highlights: Watch the Videos
See the summer school in action through our highlight reels:
🎬 Full Program Highlight Video
🎬 Program Sketch Video
⏱️ Time-lapse overview (Subcooled boiling team)
A Lasting Impact
By fostering academic collaboration and cross-cultural connection, the CASMR Nuclear Summer School helped prepare a new generation of nuclear engineers to tackle global challenges. The program concluded with a celebratory dinner, project presentations, and warm farewells. The partnerships and friendships formed here are sure to last well beyond the summer.
CASMR and Texas A&M University express their deepest appreciation to the students and faculty from King Abdulaziz University for joining this unforgettable program.
