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
Sarah is TENURED!!!! Congrats to Sarah for being recognized for all that she's done to foster nuclear science at UCI!
June 4, 2025
Audrey has been selected as a delegate for the 2025 Nuclear Engineering Student Delegation. She will travel to Washington DC in September to engage with policymakers regarding nuclear science, policy, and regulation.
May 30, 2025
May 6, 2025
Jessica's paper, "Dust-Free Sol-Gel Synthesis of Neodymium Oxide Microspheres as a Surrogate for Americium-241 Fueled Radioisotope Power Systems" is published in ACS Omega!