Name

Tiberius Moran-Lopez

School

University of Michigan

Degree Program

Eighth year PhD student in Nuclear Engineering

Previous Degrees

Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering from University of Michigan, 2005; Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering from Texas A&M University, 2004; Bachelor of Arts in Physics with a minor in Mathematics from Texas A&M University, 2004

Dissertation Topic

Developing a model that incorporates the processes that occur during high energy events such as supernovas

Research Interests

Astrophysics; High-energy density physics

Advisor

Professor James Holloway

Advisor’s Research Focus

Neutron and photon transport theory; Nuclear reactor physics and control

Hobbies

Studying foreign languages, reading, watching sports, traveling

Graduate School – Application Process

How did you select your graduate school and program?

I selected University of Michigan’s PhD program in nuclear engineering because the faculty’s areas of interests corresponded with my own. The program has particular strengths in areas including neutronics, computational work, detection, thermohydraulics and non-proliferation.

I also wanted to find a program that was very reputable. I heard great things about the nuclear engineering program at University of Michigan, and it is highly ranked by US News & World Report.

And I wanted to attend a school where I felt comfortable and welcome. I visited University of Michigan and all of the people I met were friendly, so I thought that both the program and the school in general were a good match for me.

What did you do to prepare yourself for graduate school?

I prepared myself for graduate school by earning dual bachelors degrees in nuclear engineering and physics, which gave me the foundation I needed for graduate-level courses. Not only does my graduate program combine work in both of those fields, but having 2 related degrees demonstrated to the graduate admissions committee that I was sure of my career choice and research interests.

I also prepared for graduate school by conducting research for professors throughout most of my undergraduate education, which gave me the opportunity to work with graduate students. Because of that lab experience, I knew what to expect when I started my graduate program.

Did your application requirements include standardized test scores?

The application requirements included test scores from the GRE. I prepared for the test by studying on my own using preparation books.

What kind of information did you include in your personal statement?

In my personal statement I wrote about why I was interested in graduate school, including my goals for after I finished the program and what subjects I planned to research. I also discussed my experience with nuclear engineering and what I had to offer the school.

How did you choose faculty to approach for letters of recommendation?

I conducted research for professors as an undergraduate student, so I asked those professors to write me letters of recommendation. I did not ask for recommendations from professors I only knew from classes because they did not know me as well as the professors who I had worked with.

What types of questions were asked in your admissions interview?

I did not have a formal admissions interview, but I was among a group of applicants who the school invited to visit the school and meet professors. I did not spend very much time preparing for the meeting, but I brought my resume and reviewed my own research so that I would be prepared for questions about my work. I also looked at the professors' research interests so that I could ask questions about topics that interested me.

Do you have any other tips for a student who is considering applying to graduate school in nuclear engineering?

If you are interested in applying to graduate school to study nuclear engineering, you should start preparing a couple of years before you apply by getting research experience. Participating in research as an undergraduate, even if you just work part time with a professor or graduate student, is a great way to figure out what opportunities are available within nuclear engineering.

Also, I recommend choosing a focus within nuclear engineering before you apply to graduate programs so that you can look for faculty who share your research interests. Undergraduate classes in the subject should be enough exposure to help you figure out which topics you would like to focus on in graduate school.

Graduate School – The Program

How long is your program and how is the curriculum distributed?

It will take me 8 years to finish my PhD. During the first 2 years of the program I took a lot of courses that gave me a stronger foundation in nuclear engineering. After the second year I took the candidacy exam, which I had to pass before I could become a PhD candidate.

Since the third year of the program, I have gradually taken fewer courses and spent more time researching. Now I am in my eighth year, so I spend almost all of my time working on my dissertation.

What is the focus of your dissertation research?

My dissertation research focuses on high-energy density physics. Certain processes occur during high-energy events. When a supernova occurs, for example, radiation transport, turbulence and shock physics come into play. At this point in the study of high-energy density events, most theoretical and experimental work focuses on only 1 or 2 of these processes at a time. My goal is to develop a model that incorporates all 3 of these processes and reveals how they co-evolve in a system.

I chose a dissertation topic shortly after I finished the requirements for a masters degree, so I was already a couple of years into the program. I worked at a lab over the summer, and my mentor there introduced me to the topic of turbulence in high-energy density events, which I thought was really interesting. I discussed the topic with my graduate advisor, and he helped me choose a dissertation topic that involved turbulence.

To choose a good dissertation topic, it is important that you have similar interests as your advisor. Otherwise it will be difficult for you to find a topic that your advisor approves of and knows enough about to help you in your research.

Can you describe the process of researching for and writing your thesis?

The process of researching for and writing my thesis has varied throughout the years of my graduate program. When I first started my dissertation I spent more time studying for class and learning different research methods, but now I focus almost entirely on my dissertation. I spend about 10 to 12 hours per day working on it.

Does your program have an internship component?

My program does not have an internship requirement, but students are encouraged to find internships and get experience outside of the university.

I completed internships at General Atomics, the Los Alamos National Lab and the Livermore National Lab. I found out about the opportunities through my department. The faculty and staff are very good about getting internship information from companies and labs and sharing it with the students, but students are responsible for applying for and following-up on internship opportunities.

If you are interested in getting an internship when you are in a nuclear engineering PhD program, I recommend branching out and interning in areas that are outside of your planned research focus. You might be surprised and find out that a different area of the field is a really good fit.

I also recommend seeking internships early in your graduate education. I completed all 3 internships within the first 2 years of the program. Since I finished them early on, I have been able to focus on my research during the last part of my education.

What role does your advisor play in your education?

My advisor's role has changed during the program. At first he would guide me and assign me small projects so that I would learn fundamental research skills. Now, however, we are more like colleagues. We meet about once a week and share ideas with each other.

I selected my advisor because we work well together on a personal level and because he can work in a variety of different areas within physics and nuclear engineering.

Does your doctoral program require comprehensive exams prior to graduation?

Yes, I had to take a candidacy exam at the end of the second year of the program. It is a 6-hour exam that tested me on the coursework that I completed during the program. It is a very difficult test, and the best way to prepare for it is to form a study group and meet a few times a week during the 2 months before the exam. There is also a prospectus requirement later in the program, for which I had to give an oral presentation about my research.

How does a doctoral program differ from graduate study at the masters level?

A masters program is like an extension of undergraduate education because you take courses and exams. A doctoral program has a much narrower focus and is more heavily based on research than a masters program.

Graduate School – Paying for It

How are you funding your education?

I am funding my education through a fellowship and a research assistantship. I had a fellowship for the first 2 years that covered my educational expenses. Since then I have been supported by working as a graduate student research assistant. In that position, I obtain funding by continuing my research. I also have to give talks to visitors and participate in poster sessions, but professors can place different requirements on their research assistants.

I also tutor undergraduate students for 8 hours per week for additional money, but that work is not related to my research funding.

Graduate School – Living Life

What are the time commitments for a PhD in nuclear engineering?

During the first 2 years, when I was taking more courses, I took 3 courses per semester and spent 3 or 4 hours per week in class. In addition to class time, I spent about 10 to 14 hours each week studying for courses and working on homework. Now I spend about 10 or 12 hours per day working on my dissertation. I usually work on the weekends, but only 4 or 5 hours each day.

How has graduate school affected your personal life?

Graduate school has limited the amount of time that I have for personal and social obligations, but I make it a point to take time away from my work. I have to let my mind relax every now and then, so I might go to a baseball game in the evening or go out to eat with friends.

Graduate school has made me more focused in all aspects of my life. I have started to pay more attention to what is really important because I can only spend a small amount of time away from my research.

If you want to make time for your personal life while you are in a graduate program, I recommend that you don't procrastinate. When you start a project, take the time to think about each step that you need to complete and make deadlines for each task.

Graduate School – After Graduation

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years, I would like to be working at a national lab or a research institute. I would also like to teach part time, but I do not plan on entering academia full time right after I earn my PhD.

Graduate School - Advice

What insights can you offer a student who is interested in pursuing a PhD in nuclear engineering?

If you are interested in earning a PhD in nuclear engineering, it is a great idea to try to get a variety of internships in the field. I interned and conducted research as an undergraduate student, which helped me learn more about the field and choose a concentration.

Also, make sure you find an advisor who shares your research interests and who you work well with. It will be hard to make progress on your dissertation research if your advisor is not interested in your project or if your personalities clash.