Advising

Academic Advisers

Academic advisers help with anything related to completing your degree. Your academic adviser is the person who will assist with degree logistics including, but not limited to, semester-by-semester planning, degree requirements, transfer credits, course substitutions, petitions, waivers, etc. William Walters is the academic adviser for nuclear engineering undergraduate students.

General Advisers

General advisers assist with anything related to planning the beginning of your career as a nuclear engineer after graduation. Your general adviser is available to you for general advice and discussions about career options, graduate school options, useful elective classes, etc. Each student will be assigned a faculty member upon entry to the nuclear engineering program, and your general adviser will be listed in the Advisers box in LionPATH. Students are encouraged to reach out to other faculty members, and general advisers will help to direct students to other faculty or staff who may be helpful.

Undergraduate Program Assistant

The undergraduate program assistant is a resource for students on university, college, and department policies and procedures. The undergraduate program assistant can execute approved changes and waivers on degree audits and serves as a first point of contact for students on advising needs. Lori Yarger is the undergraduate program assistant for nuclear engineering undergraduate students.

International Programs Adviser

The international programs adviser can assist with international student requirements or assistance in finding opportunities for international programs. The international programs adviser is a resource for exploring summer, semester, or academic year opportunities in academic exchange or international research programs.

Dr. Melika Sharifironizi is the international programs adviser for the department and can be contacted for information or assistance.

Schreyer Honors Adviser

The Schreyer Honors adviser advises students currently in the Schreyer Honors Program and is a resource for those interested in completing Honors while studying nuclear engineering. Dr. Elia Merzari is the Schreyer Honors adviser for the department and can be contacted with questions about Honors requirements or the program.

Important Note:

Although department faculty and staff are available to help, students should realize two important facts:

When you have questions, you must take the initiative to see a curriculum adviser. The best way of doing this is to make an appointment.
Your adviser’s role is to help guide and provide insight such that you may make informed decisions. Each student is responsible for his or her program/course choices and the monitoring of his or her academic progress. Be aware that students must “assume final responsibility for course scheduling, program planning, and the successful completion of all graduation recommendations.” (Academic Policy 32-30)

About

The Ken and Mary Alice Lindquist Department of Nuclear Engineering at Penn State is one of the top ranked nuclear engineering programs in the United States. The department distinguishes itself with a strong focus on experimental research. The actively growing department leads four educational programs for students pursuing a bachelor of science, a master of science, a master of engineering, or a doctoral degree. The Radiation Science and Engineering Center (RSEC) facilities, including the Breazeale Reactor, are available to nuclear engineering faculty and students at Penn State for research and instruction. RSEC houses the Breazeale Nuclear Reactor, the country’s first and longest operating licensed nuclear research reactor. Having access to an operating research reactor is a key strength for the department and enables Penn State to harness research and educational opportunities that are unique in the United States. See how we’re inspiring change and impacting tomorrow at nuce.psu.edu.