Personal profile
Biography
Dr. Michael Reichenberger: Nuclear Engineering Expert and Innovator:
Dr. Michael Reichenberger is a distinguished radiation measurement scientist at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). With a robust background in nuclear engineering, Dr. Reichenberger plays a pivotal role in the daily operations of the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR), ensuring the reliable functionality of safety-critical radiation measurements.
Academic Journey and Specialization:
Dr. Reichenberger embarked on his academic path at Kansas State University (KSU), where he earned both his Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (2012) and his doctorate in Nuclear Engineering (2017). His graduate studies fostered a keen interest in radiation detection, particularly in the realm of Micro-Pocket Fission Detectors (MPFDs). Following his doctoral work, he continued his research at KSU as a post-doctoral research associate, focusing on the ongoing advancement and implementation of MPFDs. This included meticulous fabrication and testing procedures, as well as comprehensive technical reporting for peer-reviewed publications.
Key Contributions and Innovations:
Dr. Reichenberger is a key figure in the development and deployment of advanced reactor instrumentation, specifically focusing on the Micro-Pocket Fission Detector (MPFD). He is a co-inventor of this innovative technology and has spearheaded its deployment at the KSU research nuclear reactor, also delivering neutron flux sensor arrays to the Naval Nuclear Laboratory. The MPFD provides real-time neutron measurements crucial for testing experimental nuclear reactor fuels and materials in high-flux environments. His work includes developing advanced MPFDs for harsh conditions and contributing to facility planning and neutron sensor modeling for the Transient Reactor Test Facility.
Leadership and Recognition:
At INL, Dr. Reichenberger is the Technical Lead of the Radiation Measurements Laboratory, overseeing ATR neutron flux, ATR-C power, and gamma-ray spectroscopy measurements. He has received multiple awards, including the ASTM International Presidential Leadership Award, U.S. Department of Energy Innovations in Fuel Cycle Research Award, and recognitions from Kansas State University.
Advocacy for Nuclear Energy:
Dr. Reichenberger advocates for the continued use of nuclear reactors and integrated energy systems, emphasizing nuclear energy's role in securing American and Global secure energy. His dedication to advancing nuclear technology makes him a valuable asset to the industry.
Dr. Reichenberger's journey highlights his commitment to advancing nuclear energy through innovative research and leadership, contributing to safer and more efficient nuclear power.
Research Interests
In essence, my research interests lie at the intersection of nuclear reactor technology and advanced sensor development, with a specific focus on real-time neutron measurement and dosimetry for both current and future reactor designs.
Reactor Instrumentation: My core focus is on the development and application of advanced sensors for nuclear reactors, particularly for measuring neutron flux and other key operational parameters.
Micro-Pocket Fission Detectors (MPFDs): I have extensive experience in their design, fabrication, testing, and deployment for in-core neutron monitoring in test reactors.
Real-time Neutron Measurements in High-Flux Environments: This work is essential for developing and testing advanced reactor fuels and materials in high-flux environments.
Advanced Reactor Designs: I am interested in the application of his sensor technology for use in advanced reactor designs, such as high-temperature gas, liquid metal, and molten salt reactors.
Reactor Dosimetry: I have extensive experience with traditional reactor dosimetry techniques and their applications in determining neutron fluence rates and other parameters. I chair the International Symposium on Reactor Dosimetry and am heavily engaged with the ASTM International E10 committee on nuclear technology and applications.
Nuclear Reactor Operations: I provide support for the daily operations of the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR), which involves overseeing neutron flux, ATR-C power, and gamma-ray spectroscopy measurements.
Modernization of Radiation Measurement Systems: I am involved in the modernization of radiation measurement systems and techniques to improve accuracy and efficiency in nuclear research.
Integrated Energy Systems: I advocate for nuclear energy as a crucial component of integrated energy systems and for securing global energy sustainability.
Education/Academic qualification
PhD, Micro-pocket fission detectors: development of advanced, real-time, in-core, neutron-flux sensors, Kansas State University
2012 → 2018
Award Date: May 14 2017
Bachelor, Mechanical Engineering (Nuclear Option), Kansas State University
Award Date: May 1 2012
External positions
ASTM E10 Committee, ASTM International Committee E10 on Nuclear Technology and Appl.
2019 → …
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Decay-Activation Analysis of Reduced Activation Ferritic Martensitic Steel In Fusion Reactors
Trivedi, I., Woolstenhulme, N., Gietl, H., Moorehead, M., Swearingen, A., Hawkins, K., Holschuh, T., Reichenberger, M. & Tsai, K., Jun 2025, In: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society. 132, 1, p. 310-313 4 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Conference article › peer-review
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Evaluation of a Fission Product Release from Accident Tolerant Fuels in the Advanced Test Reactor
Stine, D. T., Durtschi, B., Reichenberger, M. & Kamerman, D., Oct 5 2025, TopFuel 2025: Nuclear Reactor Fuel Performance Conference.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › peer-review
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Measurement of the Thermal Neutron Fluence Rate in the Instrument Thimble 11 Position in the Advanced Test Reactor Critical
Ottaway, D. G., Mccary, K. M. & Reichenberger, M. A., Nov 6 2025, In: EPJ Web of Conferences. 338, 04034.Research output: Contribution to journal › Conference article › peer-review
Open Access -
Monitoring Methods for Early Detection of Inadvertent Fission Product Release at the Advanced Test Reactor
Homberger, E., Schoonen, A., Reichenberger, M. & Horkley, M., Dec 8 2025, In: Nuclear Science and Engineering. 13 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
Photonuclear Cross-Sections of (γ,x) Channels in Sm2O3 for 153Sm
Staub, R., Dale, D. S., Forest, T. A., Martinic, K., Rasmussen, B., Wells, D., Romero, V., Bentley, R. S., Santistevan , G., Baca , M., Hughes , W., Zeiger , C., Sandusky , J. C., Nation, J., Gustafson, C., Zander, R., Villa, A., Tso , B., Hojnowski, D. & Cardenas, E. & 1 others, , Nov 9 2025, 2025 International Conference on Accelerator Applications (AccApp'25).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › peer-review
Prizes
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James A. Thomas President’s Leadership Award
Reichenberger, M. (Recipient), Aug 1 2024
Prize: Honorary award
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4x INL Exceptional Innovation Contribution Award
Reichenberger, M. (Recipient), 2021
Prize: Honorary award
Activities
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Fast and Thermal Neutron Spectrum Dosimetry Measurements in the Advanced Test Reactor large-B and small-I Positions Following the Sixth Core Internals Change-out.
Reichenberger, M. (Speaker)
May 21 2023 → May 26 2023Activity: Talk or presentation › Oral presentation
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Design and fabrication of an axial neutron flux profile measurement assembly for the Advanced Test Reactor Critical Facility
Reichenberger, M. (Speaker)
Jun 12 2023 → Jun 16 2023Activity: Talk or presentation › Oral presentation
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Radiation Protection and Shielding Division 2024
Reichenberger, M. (Member of program committee)
2022 → 2025Activity: Participating in or organizing an event › Organizing a conference, workshop, ...
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ASTM Int. Comm. E10 Nucl. Technol. Appl. (External organization)
Reichenberger, M. (Member)
Jan 2019 → …Activity: Membership › Membership of committee
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17th International Symposium on Reactor Dosimetry
Reichenberger, M. (Member of program committee)
2019 → 2023Activity: Participating in or organizing an event › Organizing a conference, workshop, ...