John W. McClory

Dr. John W. McClory is a Professor of Nuclear Engineering at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), where he has been affiliated since 2008. He serves as the Director of Nuclear Expertise for the Advancing Technology (NEAT) Center, Director of the Nuclear Weapons Effects Graduate Certificate Program, and holds the AFTAC Endowed Term Chair for Materials. His academic career spans military service as a former Army officer and teaching at the United States Military Academy.

• Education: Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering (AFIT, 2008), M.S. in Physics (Texas A&M, 1993), B.S. in Physics (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1984)

Dr. McClory’s research focuses on radiation effects on military electronics, nuclear forensics, and nuclear weapon proliferation. His work includes neutron detection, scintillator development, and radiation transport modeling, with applications in nuclear security and materials science.

His recent publications emphasize radiation-hardened materials, computational modeling of nuclear effects, and machine learning applications in nuclear forensics. Collaborative projects span neutron spectroscopy, high-power microwave detection, and radiation-induced defect analysis in semiconductors.

Scientific Awards:

• MOAA AFIT Outstanding Military Professor (2010)
• Dr. Leslie M. Thornton Teaching Excellence Award (2011)
• Military Legion of Merit (2012)
• Dean's Distinguished Teaching Professor Award (2019)
• Ohio Magazine Excellence in Education Honoree (2013)

Dr. McClory has advised 22 PhD and 41 MS students and secured 25 research grants. He leads the NEAT Center and contributes to nuclear weapons effects curriculum and AFTAC materials research.