Sheldon Landsberger

Dr. Sheldon Landsberger is a Professor and holds the Robert B. Trull Chair in Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin's Cockrell School of Engineering, within the Department of Nuclear and Radiation Engineering. He has been a faculty member since 1997 and serves as a leading expert in nuclear analytical measurements, nuclear forensics, and environmental radiation monitoring. His research focuses on neutron activation analysis (NAA), with applications ranging from archaeological material characterization to environmental contamination assessment. He directs the Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory (NETL) and has pioneered distance learning programs in nuclear engineering. Landsberger's contributions include over 250 peer-reviewed publications and consulting for the International Atomic Energy Agency since 1988. His work integrates advanced instrumentation, robotic systems, and machine learning for nuclear safeguards and environmental protection.

**Education & Professional Roles**
- Robert B. Trull Chair in Engineering (Cockrell School of Engineering)
- Former Director of the Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory (2002–2006)
- Area Coordinator of the Nuclear and Radiation Engineering Program (1997–2012)

**Research Interests**
Dr. Landsberger’s research spans nuclear forensics, environmental radioactivity, and radiation detection technologies. Key areas include:
- Development of gamma-gamma coincidence spectrometry for precise elemental analysis
- Environmental impact assessment of industrial byproducts (e.g., red mud, phosphogypsum)
- Nuclear waste management and robotic survey systems
- Neutron activation analysis for archaeology and materials science
- Uranium recovery from seawater via novel adsorbent materials

**Awards & Recognition**

• Arthur Holly Compton Award (2007) for distance learning innovations
• Glenn Murphy Award (2005) for teaching excellence

**Grants & Collaborations**
Landsberger’s work is supported by grants from DOE, IAEA, and industry partnerships. His lab develops cutting-edge tools for radiation measurement, including Compton suppression systems and LaBr3 detectors. He also leads initiatives to train future engineers in nuclear safety and environmental stewardship.

**Labs & Facilities**
His research leverages the Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory (NETL) and collaborates with facilities like the RPI LINAC for neutron irradiation studies. Ongoing projects address radiation shielding for robotic systems and AI-driven analysis of nuclear signatures.