Application Deadline: March 15, 2025
The Stanton Nuclear Security Fellows Program supports emerging scholars to engage in policy-relevant technical research on nuclear security for a twelve-month fellowship. Selected fellows will work closely with Texas A&M University faculty mentors to advance understanding of critical issues in nuclear security and produce technical research that can meaningfully inform policy. The program aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders in nuclear security by fostering impactful research that addresses policy concerns.
Fellowship Opportunity
are open to postdoctoral researchers and early-career faculty with a strong interest in conducting research on nuclear security topics. Fellows are expected to focus on projects that will culminate in a substantial written output (e.g., article, book, report) that can contribute to policy development. In line with the Stanton Foundation’s broad definition, nuclear security includes topics such as nuclear terrorism, proliferation, nuclear weapons, force posture, and the security implications of nuclear energy.
Eligibility
- Open to scholars with a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in science or engineering. Advanced Ph.D. candidates nearing completion of their dissertation may also be considered.
- Applicants should have prior research experience in a field relevant to nuclear security.
- Fellows must hold their terminal degree from an institution other than Texas A&M University, although Texas A&M bachelor’s or master’s degree holders are welcome to apply.
- There are no citizenship or residency restrictions.
Fellowship Stipend
Fellows will receive a monthly stipend over twelve months. The yearly stipend amount is dependent upon the fellow’s position (postdoctoral researcher or early-career faculty). Specific details are available upon request.
Fellowship Requirements
Fellows are required to be in full-time residence at Texas A&M University throughout the fellowship. Under the guidance of Texas A&M faculty mentors, fellows will produce at least one policy-relevant publication and will present their research findings at the Stanton Nuclear Security Fellows Seminar.
Selection Criteria
The selection process emphasizes both the applicant’s academic and professional accomplishments and the relevance of their proposed research to the fellowship’s mission. Selected fellows will work with Texas A&M faculty upon arrival to develop their proposed research idea into a clearly defined research proposal that aligns with advancing policy-relevant understanding in nuclear security.
For additional information, please contact:
Dr. Mansung Yim, Professor of Nuclear Engineering and Director of the Center for Nuclear Security Science and Policy Initiatives (NSSPI)
[email protected]
Dr. Matthew Fuhrmann, Professor of Political Science
[email protected]
Ms. Jennifer House, Program Manager
979-458-7640
[email protected]
For more information on the Stanton Nuclear Security Fellows Program, please visit the Stanton Foundation website.
Stanton Fellows
2017-2018
- Dr. Seungmin Woo(postdoctoral researcher) – “Can Pyroprocessing Reduce Proliferation Risk of a Closed Nuclear Fuel Cycle?”
2018-2019
- Dr. Sherzod Kurbanbekov (early career faculty) – “Investigation of the High-Enriched Uranium Stockpile in North Korea”
- Dr. Kavita Rathore (postdoctoral researcher) – “The effects of the United States, and possibly the European Union, withdrawing from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action”
2020-2021
- Dr. Edward Jenner(postdoctoral researcher) – “Forecasting the Effect of Nuclear Energy on Nuclear Weapons Pursuit“
2021-2022
- Dr. Taylor Harvey (postdoctoral researcher) – “Simple Two-PMT Directional Detector for Radiation Source Localization in Nuclear Security Applications“
2022-2023
- Dr. Hamza Ed-Asaad (postdoctoral researcher) – “Assessing Radioactive Dispersion from a Terrorist Attack on a Nuclear Power Plant”
- Dr. Philseo Kim (postdoctoral researcher) – “Assessing the Nuclear Weapons Proliferation and Security Risks of Nuclear Trade for Nuclear Energy Newcomer Countries: The Case of Small Modular Reactors”
2023-2024
- Dr. Simon Adu (postdoctoral researcher) – “Addressing Nuclear Security and Non-Proliferation Concerns in the Introduction of SMRs in Sub-Saharan Africa”
2024-2025
- Dr. Simon Adu (postdoctoral researcher) – “Assessing the Terrorist Risk on Deployment of Small Modular Reactors in Sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges and Mitigation Strategies”
- Dr. Sylvester Birikorang (postdoctoral researcher) – “Decentralization of Nuclear Infrastructure and Nuclear Security Risks: Analysis from West Africa”