Members

Dr. Liz Kautz, Assistant Professor

Education/Experience
  • B.S., Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2010)
  • Materials Scientist, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory (2010 – 2014)
  • M.S., Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2014)
  • Ph.D., Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2018)
  • Post Doc., Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (2018-2020)
  • Staff Scientist, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (2020 – 2023)
About Me

My research interests include laser produced plasmas and materials relevant to nuclear energy, defense, forensics, and non-proliferation applications, laser-material interaction, materials degradation in nuclear-relevant environments, and nuclear forensics.

Outside of work, I enjoy exploring Raleigh’s many running/walking paths with my family, and cooking.

Contact: ekautz@ncsu.edu

Josephine Hartmann, Ph.D. Student

Education/Experience
  • Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) at PNNL (2020)
  • Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) at INL (2022)
  • B.S., Washington State University (2023) 
  • National Security Internship Program (NSIP) at PNNL (2024)
About Me

My name is Josephine Hartmann, and I am a first year Ph.D. student under the advisement of Prof. Kautz. I completed my undergraduate degree at Washington State University in Applied Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science.

My research work is in the realm of nuclear materials and forensics and is in alliance with the consortium for nuclear forensics sponsored by NNSA. More specifically, my work consists of analyzing metallic alloy corrosion and oxidation mechanisms tied to post detonation debris and pre-detonation signatures. In order to understand this complex phenomena I have been utilizing focused ion beam (FIB) sample preparation techniques for further atom probe tomography (APT) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization.

My outside interests include hiking, running, reading, yoga, playing various musical instruments, and cooking.

Contact: jchartm3@ncsu.edu

Nusrat Karim, Ph.D. Student

Education/Experience
  • B.S., Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET), Bangladesh (2016)
  • IAEA Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow  (2024 – 2026)
  • Professional training specializing in Full Scale Simulator and Turbine, Rosatom Technical Academy, Russia (2019-2020)
  • Electrical Engineer, Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Ltd. (2018-2022)
  • Faculty, Bangladesh University (2016-2018)
About Me

Plasma, Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and materials related to nuclear energy are my main research interests. Lately, our lab is attempting to comprehend the many LIBS phenomena, such as self absorption, self reversal, line widening, and doppler broadening using Li I material. On top of that, we are trying to understand the behavior of Li I plasma in LIBS by varying  pressure and ambient gas. 

Exploring new places, spending time with family and friends, reading, and gardening are my favorite activities  in my leisure time.

Contact: nkarim@ncsu.edu

Syed Rizvi, Ph.D. Student

Education/experience
  • B.E., NED University of Engineering and Technology (2014-2018)
  • Assistant Manager,. Pak Suzuki Motor Corporation (2018-2019)
  • M.S., Central Michigan University(2019-2021)
  • Ph.D., NC State University (2021-Present)
  • Technical Intern,. Commonwealth Fusion Systems (2023-Present)
About Me

My research experience encompasses wide areas of metallurgy, thermal sciences, optical and electron microscopy. Currently, my research is focused on understanding different interfaces related to fusion materials.

Outside work, I have a deep vested interest in Urdu poetry, pensive music and cooking.

Contact: srizvi@ncsu.edu

Azeen Erfani Neko-Lewis, M.N.E Student

Education/experience
  • BS., University of Nevada Las Vegas (2013)
  • BS., Louisiana State University (2016)
  • Petroleum engineer at the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) in New Orleans, Louisiana
About me

I am Azeen Erfani Neko-Lewis, currently enrolled in the Nuclear Engineering master’s program at NCSU under the guidance of Dr. Kautz. My research focuses on Temperature-Dependent Molecular Formation Dynamics in Laser-Produced Plasma. I utilize PGOPHER for simulation and investigation, particularly examining the thermal effects on molecular formation.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) and a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering from Louisiana State University (LSU). Throughout my academic journey, I was honored to receive scholarships such as the Nevada Energy Math & Science Scholarship, as well as awards from organizations like SPE, AADE, API, and Brookshire. These scholarships played a significant role in supporting my educational endeavors.

In my leisure time, I enjoy spending time with friends and exploring potential opportunities in real estate investment.

Contact: aerfani4@ncsu.edu

Jacob Martin, Undergraduate Nuclear Engineering Student

Education/Experience
  • B.S., North Carolina State University (2022-2026)
  • Nuclear Engineering Intern at Three Mile Island Unit 2 Decommissioning Site in Harrisburg, PA (Summer 2023)
About me

I am an undergraduate nuclear engineering student at NC State, and I’m from Galena, Missouri. I’m very excited about the prospect of SMR’s and new-generation reactors, so after graduation I plan to work in the industrial sector. Outside of work and school, I enjoy hiking excursions and long-distance running.

Contact: jamart28@ncsu.edu

Emma Robertson, Undergraduate Nuclear Engineering Student

Education/experience
  • B.S., North Carolina State University (2023-2027)
About me

I am an undergraduate student studying nuclear engineering at NC State. I am originally from Oxford, Massachusetts. I am excited to learn more within the field of nuclear energy and working on sustainable energy sources. Outside of my academic and professional time, I like to crochet and spend time outdoors.

Contact: errober3@ncsu.edu