David J. Sprouster

David J. Sprouster is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering at Stony Brook University, specializing in characterizing and controlling matter across multiple scales for advanced nuclear energy applications. His work focuses on developing radiation-resistant materials for fission and fusion reactors using synchrotron and neutron characterization techniques.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Physics, The Australian National University (2010)

Dr. Sprouster's research centers on nuclear materials engineering for extreme environments, including radiation damage, molten salt corrosion, and hydrogen isotope effects. His group employs multi-modal synchrotron X-ray and neutron scattering to study materials under reactor-relevant conditions, with emphasis on tungsten alloys, ferritic-martensitic steels, and hydride moderators. Key contributions involve helium defect transitions, deuterium trapping mechanisms, and thermal aging effects in structural materials.

Analysis of his 2025 publications reveals concentrated efforts on fusion reactor materials, particularly tungsten-based systems and molten salt chemistry. His work consistently integrates advanced characterization with computational modeling to establish structure-property relationships critical for next-generation nuclear systems.

Dr. Sprouster leads an active research group utilizing national facilities for nuclear materials research. His prior experience includes a joint appointment at MIT's Nuclear Reactor Laboratory, and his current work involves collaborations with national laboratories to address challenges in radiation-tolerant material design for energy applications.