Cazalas Group
CAZ-RAD
University of Utah
Fall 2022
Left to Right: Jesse Snow, Codey Olson, Teancum Quist, Edward Cazalas
Edward Cazalas, Ph.D., CAZ-RAD Leader
I am an Assistant Professor of the Nuclear Engineering program within the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at the University of Utah. I have research interests in nuclear and radiation physics and engineering. I have worked at National Laboratories (Sandia, PNNL), Universities (Penn State, Oregon State), and Think Tanks (RAND Co.). In my free time, I like to golf, hike, and ski. I am a certified Alpine Level II instructor (PSIA-I) and enjoy snow and mountain biking. Growing up in Gettysburg, PA, I have a strong interest in Civil War history.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Radiation Detection
Our group is broadly interested in the development of radiation detection materials, devices, technologies, and understanding of radiation detection physics. This includes detection of gamma-rays, charged particles, and neutrons for applications in nuclear security, safety, dosimetry, and science.
Radiation Effects in Electronics
Our group investigates the effects of radiation on the performance of electrical transistors and devices at the fundamental level. We strive to understand the impact that radiation has on the modification of the electrical characteristics of electrical devices and transistors due to everyday exposure, space radiation, and nuclear survivability scenarios.
Dosimetry
Our group studies the measurement and impact of radiation to living beings and electronics. To study the level of radiation tolerance to a system, the radiation dose is required to be measured and understood - based on radiation type and energy, exposure time, and intermediate shielding.
Simulation and Modeling
To guide all our work, we rely on accurate models and simulations that recreate the physics of radiation interaction and energy deposition. We utilize many different simulation tools, including MCNP, GEANT4, SRIM/TRIM, and COMSOL.
WORK & EDUCATION
2015
Pennsylvania State University
Ph. D. Nuclear Engineering
Thesis Title: "Radiation Sensitivity of Graphene Field Effect Transistors and Other Thin Film Architectures."
Graduate of the Nuclear Security Program (joint program funded by NNSA with Penn State, MIT, and Texas A&M).
2009
Oregon State University
M.S. Nuclear Engineering
Thesis Title: "Design, construction, and analysis of a skin contamination dosimeter."
2007
Pennsylvania State University
B.S. Astrophysics
B.A. Philosophy
Fall 2018 - Present
Assistant Professor
Nuclear Engineering Program
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT
Feb. 2021 - Mar. 2022
Nuclear Engineering Consultant
Photogenics (a Division of Mission Support Inc.)
Orem, UT
2016 - 2018
Post-Doctoral Researcher
Nuclear Engineering Program
Department of Engineering Physics
Air Force Institute of Technology
WPAFB, OH
2015 - 2016
Stanton Nuclear Security Post-Doctoral Fellow
RAND Corporation
Arlington, VA
Graduate Students
Graduate Students
Teancum Quist - Ph.D. Student - Nuclear Engineering
B.S. Physics, Utah State University, 2007 - 2013
M.S. Health Physics and Nuclear Non-Proliferation, Georgetown University, 2014 - 2015
My primary focus in studies, and previous employment, has been the development and implementation of radiation detection devices. This includes the development and testing of novel detection systems, and evaluation of these systems to meet proposed needs.
Current Project: Neutron Spectrometer and Imager
CAZRAD since 2018
Codey Olson - Ph.D. Student - Nuclear Engineering
B.A. Mathematics/Physics, Wartburg College, Waverly, IA
I grew up in LaMotte, IA and decided to study physics and mathematics around my junior year of high school. After a few years of undergrad, I had the opportunity to participate in the Nuclear Forensics Undergraduate Summer School (NFUSS) program here at the U in the summer of 2018. This is where my interest in nuclear really spiked and I’ve been pursuing graduate studies in the field since.
Current Project: Radiation Transport Simulations
CAZRAD since 2019
Jesse Snow - Ph.D. Student - Nuclear Engineering
B.S., Applied Physics, University of Utah.
M.S., Nuclear Engineering, University of Utah.
Accepted into UU Nuclear Engineering Ph.D. Program starting Fall 2021.
Jesse is pursuing a Nuclear Engineering masters degree at the University of Utah. His current area of research is in neutron detection. Jesse grew up in Texas, but has spent some years of his life living around the world. He enjoys playing music, long walks on a beach, and too many sweets.
CAZRAD since 2019, received M.S. with Cazalas as advisor.
Picture pending
Will Bates - M.S. Student - Nuclear Engineering
B.S., Chemical Engineering, University of Utah.
Graduated from University of Utah with M.S. in Nuclear Engineering.
Will continues his work within the U.S.A.F.
Born and raised in Utah, a University of Utah Chemical Engineering alumni. My professional background is in acquisitions as a civilian for the United States Air Force with the Nuclear Weapons Center. My current interests are focused in radiation detection and nuclear chemistry.
CAZRAD since Dec. 2020
Undergraduate Students
Jacob Strong - B.S. Student - Physics and Applied Mathematics
Pursuing B.S. Physics and B.S. Applied Mathematics from University of Utah
Jacob Strong has current research interests in fields of nuclear engineering and algebraic geometry. He grew up in Utah, Colorado, and Texas, and his future plans include pursuing a graduate school degree as well as founding a martial arts school. In his free time, Jacob enjoys going out into nature.
CAZRAD since 2023
Ryan Godin - B.S. Student - Mechanical Engineering
Graduated from University of Utah with B.S. in 2020.
Currently, within the Nuclear Navy.
CAZRAD since 2019
No Picture
Aaron Fjeldsted - B.S. Student - Civil Engineering
Graduated from University of Utah with B.S. in 2020.
Currently a graduate student at Penn State in Nuclear Engineering.
I am studying Civil Engineering and pursuing the Nuclear Engineering minor from the University of Utah. My interests include neutron detection and nonproliferation. I am also a senior captain on the University’s lacrosse team. When I’m not in the classroom, or on the practice field, I’m spending time in Utah’s beautiful mountains.
CAZRAD since 2020
Other Photos
Cazalas Group
CAZ-RAD
University of Utah
Fall 2021
Left to Right: Codey Olson, Teancum Quist, Jesse Snow, Edward Cazalas
Cazalas Group
CAZ-RAD
University of Utah
Fall 2020
Left to Right Top: Codey Olson, Edward Cazalas
Left to Right Bottom: Jesse Snow, Teancum Quist
Cazalas Group
CAZ-RAD
University of Utah
Fall 2019
Left to Right: Teancum Quist, Jesse Snow, Codey Olson, Edward Cazalas