R. Scott Kemp

R. Scott Kemp is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and serves as the director of the MIT Laboratory for Nuclear Security and Policy. He teaches energy policy and advises students in the MIT Energy Studies Program. Additionally, he contributes to institutional governance through roles on MIT's International Policy Lab advisory board and the President's Committee for Distinguished Fellowships.

His educational background includes a B.S. in Physics from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a Ph.D. in Public and International Affairs from Princeton University.

Kemp's research integrates physics and policy to address societal resilience, with emphasis on:

• Critical infrastructure vulnerabilities (electricity, gas, water systems)
• Strategic implications of hypersonic/advanced weapons
• Nuclear security frameworks
• Energy security and nonproliferation

His work explores intersections of technology and global stability.

Publications focus on nuclear security innovation, energy access, and proliferation risks, reflecting consistent themes in arms control verification, uranium enrichment, and sustainable nuclear energy deployment across diverse geopolitical contexts.

Scientific awards include:

• Fellow of the American Physical Society
• Sloan Research Fellowship in Physics
• Spira Award for Excellence in Teaching

He advises graduate students in energy policy and directs the Laboratory for Nuclear Security and Policy, leading research on treaty compliance, nuclear forensics, and emerging technology assessment.