Matteo Bucci

Matteo Bucci is the Esther and Harold E. Edgerton Associate Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), School of Engineering. His work bridges nuclear and aerospace applications, focusing on boiling heat transfer, advanced diagnostics, and surface engineering. He serves as Editor of Applied Thermal Engineering and Deputy Editor-in-Chief of AI Thermal Fluids.

• Role: Associate Professor, MIT School of Engineering
• Founding Editor: AI Thermal Fluids
• Founder: NSF Thermal Transport Café
• Co-Founder: Startup Ferveret (data center cooling)

Research Interests: Bucci's group investigates boiling heat transfer mechanisms under extreme conditions, such as high-pressure environments in nuclear reactors and microgravity in space propulsion. They develop non-intrusive diagnostics like infrared thermography and phase-detection tools, combined with machine learning for real-time data processing. Key areas include:

• Cryogenic boiling for space systems
• Surface engineering to enhance critical heat flux (CHF)
• Machine learning algorithms for diagnostics
• Micro- and nano-structuring of reactor materials
• Accident Tolerant Fuel (ATF) coatings
• Autonomous experimental systems

Article Trends: His publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining nuclear engineering, machine learning, and microfluidics. Recent work focuses on AI-driven diagnostics, surface optimization for CHF enhancement, and cryogenic/space applications.

Scientific Awards:

• Ruth and Joel Spira Award for Excellence in Teaching (2020)
• DOE Distinguished Early Career Award (2022)
• ANS PAI Outstanding Faculty Award (2018, 2023)
• UIT-Fluent Award (2006)
• ANS THD Best Paper Award (2012)
• CFD4NRS Best Poster (2016)

Labs & Teams: Bucci leads the MIT Red Lab, collaborating with institutions like the CANES Center for Advanced Nuclear Energy Systems and VIR2AL International Research Institute. His team includes researchers exploring boiling physics, diagnostics, and cooling technologies.