Travis W. Knight

Travis W. Knight is Professor and Chair of Mechanical Engineering at the University of South Carolina's Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, where he also serves as Program Director for the Nuclear Engineering Graduate Program. His research focuses on advanced nuclear technologies including fuel development, reactor design, and spent fuel management.

Education:

• Ph.D. Nuclear Engineering Science, University of Florida (2000)
• M.S. Nuclear Engineering Science, University of Florida (1995)
• B.S. Nuclear Engineering, University of Florida (1994)

Dr. Knight's research interests span nuclear fuel development, reactor design innovations, and nuclear waste solutions. His work integrates computational modeling with experimental validation to advance nuclear energy applications in power generation, space propulsion, and defense systems.

His publications demonstrate a consistent focus on nuclear fuel behavior, reactor safety, and waste management, with recent emphasis on experimental methods for fuel characterization and microreactor technologies.

Major Awards:

• Fellow of the American Nuclear Society (2024)
• Breakthrough Leadership in Research Award (2020)
• Research Achievement Award (2018)

Dr. Knight has supervised numerous doctoral and master's students in nuclear engineering, maintaining active research groups focused on fuel development and reactor safety. His lab facilities include capabilities for nuclear material synthesis, characterization, and computational modeling.