Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe recently approved $3 million for Missouri S&T to establish a small modular nuclear reactor science and development program.

Funded through the Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Energy, the initiative provides a unique opportunity to help meet the nation’s growing energy demand and to invest in programs that support education and workforce development within the nuclear science and engineering fields.

“MoDNR is proud to be part of this groundbreaking investment,” says Kurt Schaefer, director of the Department of Natural Resources. “Missouri is already recognized as a pacesetter in nuclear science, engineering and medicine. The state is in an excellent position to continue leading the nation in developing cutting-edge nuclear technologies.”

Missouri’s initiative is consistent with recent federal actions to expand and advance the nation’s nuclear energy technologies, bolster baseload power generation to accommodate growing domestic demand and provide economic development opportunities across the United States.

“We are grateful to the state of Missouri for recognizing Missouri S&T as a premier university for nuclear energy research,” says Dr. Joseph Newkirk, chair and professor of nuclear engineering and radiation science at S&T. “This investment will enable us to continue leading the way in planning and developing integrated energy systems using small modular reactors that are cleaner, smarter and more resilient. This support will accelerate our efforts to deliver meaningful advancements for communities here in Missouri and across the nation.”

To learn more about Missouri S&T’s nuclear engineering and radiation science programs at nuclear.mst.edu. Learn more about the state’s initiatives at dnr.mo.gov/energy or contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Energy at 573-751-2254 or toll-free at 855-522-2796.

About Missouri S&T

Missouri University of Science and Technology is a STEM-focused research university of over 7,000 students located in Rolla, Missouri. Part of the four-campus University of Missouri System, Missouri S&T offers over 100 degrees in 40 areas of study and is among the nation’s top public universities for salary impact, according to The Wall Street Journal. For more information about Missouri S&T, visit www.mst.edu.