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- calendar_today October 9, 2026
Oklo Partners with Ohio State University to Expand Nuclear Engineering
Advanced nuclear technology company Oklo is making a significant investment in The Ohio State University, supporting the growth and enhancement of the university's nuclear engineering program. This partnership is poised to deliver expanded opportunities for students and faculty in nuclear engineering, strengthening research, education, and industry collaboration.
Launching an Undergraduate Nuclear Engineering Major
Currently, Ohio State offers nuclear engineering degrees only at the graduate level. Oklo’s investment will help establish a new undergraduate nuclear engineering major. The initiative involves developing a new curriculum, hiring additional faculty, and updating facilities and equipment. The university anticipates launching the accredited undergraduate nuclear engineering major by autumn 2027.
$4.5 Million Investment for Facilities and Scholarships
The total impact of Oklo’s support—including contributions from executives and university matching funds for scholarships—will be $4.5 million. This funding will facilitate:
- Renovation of instructional and research facilities
- Creation of an endowed professorship
- Support for student scholarships
Interim Dean B. Shanker of the College of Engineering noted, “Industry demand for nuclear engineers continues to grow, and Ohio State is expanding to meet that need.” He emphasized that Oklo’s support will help provide students with the necessary access to faculty, facilities, and practical experiences.
Enhancing Nuclear Engineering Facilities and Research
The investment will enable significant upgrades to Ohio State’s Nuclear Reactor Laboratory, an important teaching and research center on the university’s west campus since 1961. In recognition of Oklo’s support, the facility will be renamed the Oklo Nuclear Reactor Laboratory. Additionally, the university will create the Oklo Experiential Engineering Education Lab within Scott Laboratory on the main campus. This new lab will offer resources for capstone projects, hands-on building, simulations, modeling, and interdisciplinary engineering collaborations.
Endowed Professorships and Nuclear Engineering Scholarships
Oklo’s contribution will also establish the Oklo Endowed Professorship in Nuclear Engineering, supporting Ohio State’s efforts to recruit and retain leading experts in the field. Further, gifts from Oklo executives will create two endowed scholarship funds aimed at supporting nuclear engineering students:
- The Dr. John Hanson and Dr. Lindsey Pack Endowed Scholarship Fund
- The Dr. Jacob DeWitte and Caroline Ann DeWitte Endowed Scholarship Fund in Nuclear Engineering
These scholarships are designed to broaden access to the field and support future leaders in nuclear engineering.
Connecting Education with Industry and the Future of Energy
John Hanson, Oklo’s corporate chief of staff and an Ohio State alumnus, highlighted the connection between the university’s educational investments and the future of energy technology. “The next generation of nuclear engineers will turn the technologies we’re developing today into the reliable energy our country needs for decades to come,” he said. By expanding access to nuclear engineering education and hands-on research, Ohio State aims to prepare students to lead in advanced nuclear technology fields.
Source: news.osu.edu.
