Yadukrishnan (Yadu) Sasikumar
ORNL is proud of its role in fostering the next generation of scientists and engineers. We bring in talented young researchers, team them with accomplished staff members, and put them to work at the lab’s one-of-a-kind facilities. The result is research that makes us proud and prepares them for distinguished careers.
We asked some of these young researchers why they chose a career in science, what they are working on at ORNL, and where they would like to go with their careers.
Yadukrishnan (Yadu) Sasikumar
Postmaster’s researcher, Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division
Ph.D. student, Nuclear Engineering, The Open University, UK
Hometown: Thrissur, India
What are you working on at ORNL?
My research focuses on how used nuclear fuel interacts with water in the event of an accident in which the fuel gets exposed to the environment. I use experimental techniques such as mass spectrometry and microscopy to understand changes in behavior of spent fuel samples exposed to water and steam.
What would you like to do in your career?
I believe that nuclear has a major role to play in our energy mix and would like to continue my research in strengthening the long-term management of used fuels. I have thoroughly enjoyed working at ORNL and aspire to have a career in a national laboratory environment such as here.
Why did you choose a career in science?
My parents were dedicated to science, and it didn’t take me long to develop an interest in it. Growing up, I loved machines, which led me to an undergraduate degree in engineering. I subsequently took up nuclear, as I’m fascinated by its potential in solving the impending global energy crisis.
