As global interest in nuclear chemistry continues to grow, some students on campus are following along by learning various elements of the field. 

Nuclear chemistry plays a significant role in our lives, whether it be for medical reasons or to provide electricity. 

From generating electricity to supporting medical diagnostics, nuclear chemistry plays a vital role in everyday life. Chemistry teacher Donald McNeal emphasizes the importance of understanding how nuclear processes affect society.

“This was a research topic students investigated in class,” McNeal said. “They found a bunch of different ways nuclear chemistry impacts life—from medical imaging and diagnostic testing to nuclear power. They even discovered various ways they’re exposed to radiation in everyday life, like cosmic radiation and other sources they weren’t even aware of.”

Sophomore Dustin Samuels shared that the class is exploring the different forms of radiation, each with its own function and characteristics.

“In chemistry we are learning about nuclear chemistry and how radiation works—alpha, beta, and gamma radiation,” Samuels said.

But radiation is only one part of the unit. For sophomore Vikrant Khanwalkar, what stood out was how deeply nuclear chemistry is connected to real-world applications.

“We are learning about nuclear radiation and how people use it in real life and other applications,” Khanwalkar said.