Blake Wilson

Graduate Research Assistant

Research Description

Materials synthesis using Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS); characterization of corrosion and irradiation in materials.

Regardless of reactor design, materials will continue to face extreme environments. Generation III, III+, and eventually IV Reactors will be expected to provide greater baseload power, heat generation, and isotope production. Blake’s research will examine current reactor materials and peer into the effects of molten salts in advanced reactors.

Background

Blake Wilson is from Boca Raton, Florida and is a U.S. Army Officer, Paratrooper, and Jumpmaster.  From 2014 to 2018, Blake attended the United States Military Academy and majored in Physics with a focus in Nuclear Engineering.  While at West Point, he was a placekicker for the Army Football Team.  During his tenure, his team won the Commander in Chief’s Trophy (2017), the Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl Game (2016), and the Armed Forces Bowl Game (2017).  In 2018, Blake was commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer in the United States Army.  Since then, he has served as an Airborne Field Artillery Officer in the historic 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

As a lieutenant, Blake served as a Firing Platoon Leader, Platoon Fire Direction Officer, and Battery Executive Officer in Battery A, 3rd Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment in the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division.  Later, he served as a Company Executive Officer and Aide-de-Camp to the Deputy Division Commander in Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion of the 82nd Airborne Division.  As a Captain, Blake served as an Battalion Fire Support Officer for 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment in the 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division.  Most recently Blake served as the Commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment in the 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division.

Blake has deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and to Washington D.C. in support of Defense Support of Civil Authorities.  He is a Master Parachutist and is passionate about preparing America’s sons and daughters for war.  Blake is a graduate of the United States Army Advanced Airborne School (Jumpmaster School) and the United States Army Ranger School.

In his free time, Blake enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, golfing, lifting, running, and operating his ham radio station.

Education