Sarah Cole, a Boise State University alum and former Top Ten Scholar, is making strides in nuclear energy research as a doctoral student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, according to a March 25 announcement. Her work has recently been highlighted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Nuclear Energy University Program.
Cole is focused on developing advanced nuclear fuels that aim to improve both safety and efficiency for next-generation reactors. She studies materials such as uranium nitride and uranium-zirconium alloys, which are seen as promising options for accident-tolerant fuels and new reactor technologies.
Her interest in nuclear science began during her upbringing near Boise, where she participated in an internship at Boise State’s Advanced Materials Laboratory. There, she collaborated with faculty and graduate students on projects involving materials designed for extreme nuclear environments—a formative experience that led her toward a career in nuclear engineering.
As an undergraduate researcher at Boise State, Cole worked directly with uranium and contributed to projects focused on fabricating and testing materials meant to safely contain fission products. These efforts address key challenges faced by modern nuclear energy systems.
Outside the laboratory, Cole has advocated for advancements in nuclear energy through internships and participation in national programs. She has engaged policymakers in Washington, D.C., discussing issues related to fuel security and domestic energy infrastructure.
Now continuing her studies at MIT, Cole employs advanced imaging techniques to examine irradiated fuels as part of ongoing efforts to support the development of future reactors. Her journey reflects both her commitment to solving complex energy challenges and the foundation built during her time at Boise State.
