Keanu J. Ammons

About:
Keanu Ammons is a second year PhD student pursuing a PhD in nuclear engineering through the plasma physics department at NCSU. During his undergrad, Keanu completed a bachelor of science, engineering (BSE) with a concentration in power systems engineering from Western Carolina University. Since sophomore year of undergrad, Keanu has been awarded 2 scholarships through the nuclear regulatory commission (NRC), and received full funding for his bachelor program.

Research Interests:
Through the fusion plasma auxiliary characterization lab (FPAC), Keanu studies inductively coupled RF plasma sources for fusion and industrial processes. Specifically, Keanu is working with DIII-D at General Atomics to upgrade the current arc-discharge ion source to an inductively coupled ion source for neutral beam injection (NBI). His research will advance global efforts to develop reliable heating systems for fusion reactors and provide innovative solutions to impedance matching RF-driven plasma systems.

Current Projects:
Keanu is currently working on the Large Uniform Plasma for Ionizing Neutrals (LUPIN), a reduced-scale prototype designed to study inductively coupled ion source production and validate novel, multi-strap antenna designs and phase-locked generator configurations. Keanu is investigating how matching network parameters evolve with varying plasma conditions and antenna designs. This work is apart of a broader effort to develop efficient, reliable ion sources for neutral beam injection systems, and to 

Outside the Lab:
Outside of research, Keanu trains in mixed martial  arts, primarily Muay Thai and Brazilian jiu jitsu. He also works with the NCSU MMA club to engage more students in martial arts.