معرفی
Dr. Walter J. McNeil is an Associate Professor and Steve Hsu Keystone Research Scholar in the Nuclear Engineering Department at Kansas State University. He holds a Ph.D. (2010) and B.S. (2004) in Nuclear and Mechanical Engineering from K-State. Prior to academia, he served at the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (2010–2015), leading R&D on radiation detection systems. At K-State, he established four laboratories, secured $8.17M in research funding, and advised 11 graduate students. His work focuses on semiconductor neutron sensors, gamma-ray spectrometers, and radiological detection systems.
Education:
- Ph.D., Nuclear Engineering, Kansas State University, 2010
- B.S., Mechanical Engineering with Nuclear Option, Kansas State University, 2004
Research Interests: Radiation detection systems design, semiconductor neutron sensors, CdZnTe gamma-ray spectrometers, and cryogenic sensor technology. He emphasizes applications in nonproliferation, radiological source detection, and military systems. His innovations include doubling He-3 neutron sensor sensitivity and developing lightweight HPGe spectrometers.
Articles Trends: Recent publications (2019–2020) focus on neutron detector simulation (charge transport, pixelated designs), strain measurement via micro-nuclear-mechanical systems, and radiation transport modeling for inspection systems. Earlier work includes foundational research on microstructured detectors and Frisch collar CdZnTe technology.
Scientific Awards:
- R&D 100 Awards (2005, 2009, 2014)
- DAWIA Level I Certification
- Extraordinary Leadership Award (2004)
Advising & Grants: Advised 11 graduate students and 20 undergraduates, securing $5.5M as PI. Key grants include the $26M NNSA Consortium for Nonproliferation Enabling Capabilities (CNEC). Projects include radiological mapping via drones and 3D photogrammetry, neutron interrogation systems for explosives detection, and additive-manufactured electronics.
Labs & Teams: Heads the Radiological System Integration Laboratory (RSIL), Kansas State University Material Interrogation Facility (KSUMI), and a mobile field laboratory. Collaborates with Honeywell, Radiation Detection Technologies, and national labs on sensor development and nonproliferation tools.
