USRA Appoints Robert O'Brien as Director, Center for Space Nuclear Research
Internationally Recognized Principal Space and Nuclear Scientist/Engineer
The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) has appointed of Dr. Robert O'Brien as Director, Center for Space Nuclear Research.
"We anticipate Rob's return to USRA as the Director of our Center for Space Nuclear Research will greatly benefit our research initiatives."
Bernie Seery, USRA
O'Brien brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise in the fields of space and nuclear science. As an internationally recognized Principal Space and Nuclear Scientist/Engineer, he has demonstrated exemplary leadership in both research and programmatic management.
Dr. O'Brien comes to USRA from Idaho National Laboratory (INL) where he served as Senior Technical Advisor for Defense and Space Nuclear Technologies. Prior to that he was a USRA Senior Scientist leading nuclear fuel and radio isotope technology development efforts and also served as CSNR's Interim director in 2015. His leadership experience at INL includes R&D on special reactor concepts, advanced nuclear instrumentation, nuclear fuels, various national and international programs, and other initiatives for NASA, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense.
His extensive research and programmatic management experience span across advanced manufacturing, space systems and instrumentation design/development, experimental payload development, defense systems and infrastructure protection, nuclear fuel performance, nuclear instrumentation, nuclear safety, irradiation testing, directed energy and laser systems, radioisotope source design, and nuclear power system design and development.
O'Brien's academic background is equally impressive--he holds a PhD in nuclear engineering and physics of radioisotope and nuclear power/propulsion systems for space exploration from the University of Leicester, United Kingdom, as well as a master's degree in physics in Space Science and Technology. He holds several patents and patents pending and is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society.
"We anticipate Rob's return to USRA as the Director of our Center for Space Nuclear Research will greatly benefit our research initiatives and enhance our position in the field of space nuclear research," said Bernie Seery, vice president for Science and Technology at USRA.