Michael Nastasi

Michael Nastasi is a Professor in Nuclear Engineering at Texas A&M University, with affiliated faculty appointments in Materials Science & Engineering and Multidisciplinary Engineering. His research focuses on materials for extreme nuclear environments, irradiation-induced phase transformations, and synthesis of high-strength nanolayered composites.

• Ph.D., Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University – 1986
• M.S., Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University – 1983
• B.S., Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University – 1981

His work investigates ion irradiation effects on materials, radiation tolerance mechanisms, and plasma modification of material surfaces. Recent research emphasizes helium implantation, nanolaminates, and radiation damage in ceramics and metallic composites.

Scientific publications from 2018-2025 reveal consistent focus on radiation damage analysis, nanocomposite synthesis, and ion-beam characterization techniques. Key themes include defect dynamics, thermal stability, and mechanical behavior of materials under nuclear conditions.

• Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science – 2012
• Fellow, Materials Research Society – 2011
• Fellow, American Physical Society – 2006
• Energy Frontier Research Center Award, Department of Energy – 2009
• Research and Development 100 Award – 1997
• Los Alamos National Laboratory Fellows Prize – 1995
• Alan Berman Research Publication Award – 1990