Materials chemistry for next-generation nuclear systems.
At the University of California - Irvine, the Finkeldei Group probes the chemistry of nuclear materials to enable advances in
clean energy technologies.
Advanced Fuel Development
We synthesize and analyze advanced fuel candidates to gain fundamental insights into grain boundary characteristics, fission gas transport, and material properties.
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Fusion & Space Systems
Utilizing a unique internal gelation process, we synthesize microspheres for a variety of applications, including materials for fusion and space applications.
Atomistic Modeling
We are developing machine learning interatomic potentials to enable highly-accurate simulations of nuclear materials under conditions relevant to reactor operation.
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Waste Management
We analyze the redox chemistry of spent fuel and barrier materials to predict behavior in repositories. Additionally, we synthesize complex oxides to structurally immobilize long lived actinides.
Group News
December 10, 2025
The Finkeldei Group has their annual holiday party, complete with pasta making, Secret Santa, and the "feuerzangenbowle" (a German tradition)!
Sarah hosts the "Nuclear Pathways: Opportunities & Careers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory" event for UCI students to learn more about careers at LLNL. The visiting staff scientists from the national lab also presented Janae with the LLNL Physical and Life Sciences Directorate Award from the lab for her internship work investigating rapid uranium material synthesis using laser-based thermal decomposition! Congrats Janae!
December 5, 2025
Audrey travels to Washington D.C. as part of the Nuclear Engineering Student Delegation (NESD). The delegation drafted a policy statement covering current issues in the nuclear industry, met with governmental and non-governmental nuclear stakeholders, and spoke with Congressional offices about the importance of nuclear energy.
September 21, 2025