Supathorn Phongikaroon University of Utah Nuclear Engineering Program Director https://profile.usu.edu/images/utah-energy-conference/speakers/phongikaroon-supathorn.png Dr. Supathorn "Supy" Phongikaroon is a Professor of Nuclear Engineering, Director of the Utah Nuclear Engineering Program (UNEP), and holder of the EnergySolutions Presidential Endowed Chair at the University of Utah. Since joining the university in August 2025, he has led efforts to modernize its nuclear engineering curriculum, expand research capabilities, and develop a digital twin of the University of Utah Training Reactor (UUTR). His research spans the nuclear fuel cycle, with a particular focus on pyroprocessing, molten salt radiochemistry, laser spectroscopy, nuclear safeguards, and nonproliferation. His career includes leadership roles at Virginia Commonwealth University and research appointments at Idaho National Laboratory. He has secured more than $6 million in research funding, published over 50 peer-reviewed papers, and delivered more than 100 professional presentations.</p> <p>A strong advocate for nuclear workforce development and K-12 outreach, Dr. Phongikaroon has created more than 25 courses connecting engineering fundamentals with real-world issues across the nuclear fuel cycle, including safeguards, nonproliferation, and radiological safety. His teaching, research, and leadership help prepare the next generation of nuclear professionals to address the field's evolving technical, regulatory, and policy challenges.