Derek A. Haas

Derek A. Haas is an Associate Professor in the Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, holding the Chevron Centennial Fellowship No. 2. He serves as the Area Coordinator for Nuclear and Radiation Engineering and leads research in radiation detection for nuclear arms control, non-proliferation, and advanced reactor design. His work utilizes the university’s TRIGA Mark II reactor and involves collaborations on molten salt reactor projects. Dr. Haas is also a consultant to nuclear energy firms and co-founder of NuWells Energy.

His research spans experimental physics, including fission yields, environmental radionuclide transport, and radiation detection techniques. He contributes to nuclear policy through roles in the Texas Advanced Nuclear Reactor Working Group and the Texas Nuclear Alliance. Previously, he served as a surrogate inspector for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and worked at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory as a Senior Research Engineer.

Dr. Haas holds BS, MS, and PhD degrees from UT Austin. His awards include the Chevron Centennial Fellowship. His publications focus on reactor instrumentation, radiation detection systems, and nuclear policy analysis. He advises on nuclear energy workforce development and collaborates on international nuclear safety initiatives.