Thomas J Dolan

Thomas J Dolan is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Nuclear, Plasma & Radiological Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, part of the Grainger College of Engineering. He holds a PhD in Nuclear Engineering from UIUC (1970), following earlier degrees from the same institution. His research spans low-energy nuclear reactions, nuclear fusion technology, and thorium-based reactor systems. Notable contributions include authored works on molten salt reactors and fusion technology.

Professional roles include leadership at the IAEA (1995-2001) and guest professorships at Seoul National University (2011, 2018), Moscow’s National Nuclear Research University (2014), and India’s Institute for Plasma Research (2010). He contributed to the IAEA’s 2005 Nobel Peace Prize-winning efforts. His teaching includes NPRE 421 Plasma and Fusion Sciences (2007-2013).

Research focuses on advancing sustainable nuclear energy solutions through innovations in reactor design, plasma physics, and waste management. Recent work explores molten salt reactors and electron quasiparticle catalysis for transmutation processes. Over 50 publications span fusion safety, reactor economics, and novel nuclear technologies.

• Awards: IAEA’s 2005 Nobel Peace Prize (as part of the organization)
• Key Projects: Helical reactor economics studies, HYLIFE-II inertial fusion design
• Books: Molten Salt Reactors and Thorium Energy (Elsevier, 2017), Magnetic Fusion Technology (Springer, 2013)
• Grants/Consulting: Idaho National Lab (1989-2006), Phillips Petroleum (1984-1985)

His interdisciplinary approach bridges engineering, physics, and environmental science to address global energy challenges.