Ellbogen Foundation Gift Supports UW SER’s Nuclear Energy Research Center

A major investment from the John P. Ellbogen Foundation will support nuclear energy instruction and the Nuclear Energy Research Center (NERC) in the University of Wyoming's School of Energy Resources (SER).

The $1 million gift will be matched dollar for dollar by the state of Wyoming to establish the John P. Ellbogen Foundation Nuclear Energy Research Center Fund.

Dedicated to creating or causing change primarily for the benefit of the people of Wyoming through the support of science, education and charity, the John P. Ellbogen Foundation is a longtime and generous partner of UW, supporting the university's educational efforts, various programs, faculty and students.

"The board and I are thrilled about the opportunities this grant will create for the students and faculty at the university and for the state of Wyoming," says Spencer Garland, vice president of the Ellbogen Foundation Board of Directors. "This grant aligns well with two key pillars of the foundation's mission by supporting both education and science. Additionally, it provides important funding for NERC, which in just three years has become an integral player in Wyoming's energy transformation."

Major objectives of the fund include developing and delivering nuclear-related coursework -- including certificates and degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels -- and programmatic support of nuclear-focused faculty, staff and students.

"It is abundantly clear that the footprint of nuclear energy is growing in Wyoming; UW students are interested in additional coursework and programs in this field; and there is a need for professionals with the right educational credentials to work in the advanced nuclear sector," SER Executive Director Holly Krutka says. "Thanks to this support from the John P. Ellbogen Foundation, SER has the funding needed to work with our partners at the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences to address that demand."

Initially, funds from the endowment will be used to establish and manage two nuclear energy science certificate programs. These certificates will significantly expand UW students' access to nuclear energy coursework. Over time, additional nuclear energy-related programs can be developed in areas focused on social sciences, law, regulation and policy.

"Modern nuclear energy offers a practical solution for decarbonization by delivering safe, clean, dispatchable electricity and enhancing the reliability of an electric grid that is increasingly reliant on nondispatchable generation resources," Garland says. "Expanding the university's nuclear energy programs will strengthen the capabilities of the students and faculty and help position Wyoming as an early adopter of the emerging modern nuclear industry."

NERC is focused on interdisciplinary nuclear energy capacity building across the UW community by connecting the university's faculty and staff who are already active in research fields critical to the success of nuclear energy. It is developing collaborative relationships both external and internal to UW. SER and NERC also are working to bring new resources to UW to grow its nuclear-related capabilities.

Since it was established in 2021, NERC has made major strides to build upon existing areas of expertise, to launch new nuclear-related course offerings, and to develop impactful research programs at UW. It has successfully leveraged its initial state funding to bring in competitive funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and Nuclear Regulatory Commission, as well as additional private support.

The center is co-directed by Tara Righetti, UW's Occidental Chair in Energy and Environmental Policies and SER professor of law; and Caleb Hill, UW's J.E. Warren Chair, Nielson Faculty Fellow, associate professor of chemistry and SER adjunct faculty member.

"NERC has spent the last few years developing a strategy and laying the groundwork for nuclear energy education and research at UW," Righetti says. "These efforts have identified opportunities to help align course offerings and research with industry needs to address technical problems and prepare UW students to be competitive for positions in this emerging industry."

"Our primary focus is providing our students the educational and research opportunities they need to successfully engage with nuclear energy fields," Hill adds. "We are immensely grateful to the John P. Ellbogen Foundation and this incredible gift that will expand and accelerate the exciting work UW is already doing."

To learn more about NERC, go here.

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