Historically Black Alabama A&M University is partnering with Flibe Energy, Inc., an Alabama-based nuclear energy company, on a federally funded research initiative to advance nuclear fuel recycling.
The project is part of more than $19 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Energy awarded to five companies to create new technologies aimed at recycling nuclear fuel. The three-year, cost-shared projects are designed to reduce nuclear waste and increase resource efficiency.
As a key research partner in this project, AAMU faculty and students will explore electrochemical decladding and fluorination technologies that support more efficient recycling of nuclear fuel. The research will include developing, testing, and validating advanced pyrochemical methods to improve process efficiency, strengthen safety protocols, and enhance the economic viability of recycling efforts.
Mebougna Drabo, professor and chair of the department of mechanical and civil engineering and construction management, will oversee the project’s efforts at AAMU. Dr. Drabo also serves as DOE Agency director of the Alabama Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, director of the Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Science Center, and interim graduate program coordinator for mechanical engineering.
“This award represents both an honor and a responsibility,” said Dr. Drabo. “It reflects confidence in our research capabilities and our commitment to excellence. We are building not only advanced nuclear technologies, but also the next generation of engineers and scientists who will shape the future of energy.”
Dr. Drabo holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University at Buffalo in New York and a second master’s degree and a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Alabama.
