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.
.png)
_edited_edited_edited.png)
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.
.png)
_edited.jpg)
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
August 17, 2025
Audrey presents her work, Machine learning potential development for advanced oxide fuels, at the American Chemical Society Fall 2025 conference. Sarah also presents our group's work at the poster session!
Steven presents his work, Corrosion of 316 SS waste canister and Zircaloy-4 cladding in contact with UO2 under conditions relevant to a Deep Geological Repository, at the Goldschmidt 2025 conference in Prague! The conference is hosted by the European Association of Geochemistry and the Geochemical Society.
July 8, 2025
Sarah is TENURED!!!! Congrats to Sarah for being recognized for all that she's done to foster nuclear science at UCI!
June 4, 2025
