Peter Kowal

Background

About Peter Kowal

Ph.D. candidate studying nuclear engineering at Rensseleaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and expect to graduate in December 2022. My current research focuses on enhancing Monte Carlo modeling workflows using a metamodel driven approach. This work will enable more efficient and powerful workflows for nuclear reactor analysis. I am also part of the operations staff at RPI's Reactor Critical Facility (RCF). Research Interests: • Developing tools and strategies to enhance modeling workflows • Reactor physics modeling, simulation, and benchmarking • Monte Carlo methods • Reactor criticality experiments Experience: RCF Operations Supervisor, RPI RCF, Schenectady, NY, 2022-Present • Managing daily RCF operations • Reporting reactor operations to the NRC • Interfacing with RPI management • Preparation of RCF documents and procedures Senior Reactor Operator (SRO), RPI RCF, Schenectady, NY, 2017-Present • Overseeing reactor operations • Instructing SRO trainees • Collection of data for benchmark modeling • On duty for Critical Reactor Laboratory Classes • SRO in training from May 2016- Dec. 2017 Research Assistant, RPI, Troy, NY, 2016-Present • Enhancing Monte Carlo modeling workflows • Reactor physics modeling (MCNP, PROTEUS) • Publication and presentation of research • Weekly presentations on research findings • Working with external collaborators BSA National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) Staff, Poestenkill, NY, 2010-Present • Preparing and giving presentations to a large audience • Group and individual skills instruction • Leading and managing both course participants and other staff members • Managing course logistics and planning • Working effectively individually and as part of a team Treasurer RPI Chapter American Nuclear Society, RPI, Troy, NY 2016-2017 • Managing and accounting for club funds • Fundraising including reaching out to alumni • Promoting club membership and outreach activities