W. REED KENDRICK, PhD
Nuclear Reactor Physics & Multiphysics Simulation
Bio
Dr. W. Reed Kendrick
Research Scientist · MIT / CRPG
Focused on multiphysics reactor modeling and digital twin neutronic methods for microreactors and SMRs.
Passionate about teaching nuclear engineering — recognized with departmental honors for excellence in instruction.
Ph.D., Nuclear Engineering, MIT (2024)
B.S., Mechanical Engineering, UT Austin (2018)
Background spans the national labs (Sandia), industry (Kairos Power), and academia (MIT).
Research
2026
Coupling Monte Carlo Neutronics with Finite Element Multiphysics
Coming soon.
2025
Transmuting Fission Products with Proton Spallation
By using a proton accelerator to spallate neutrons from a heavy target, these neutrons can be used to transmute particularly nasty fission products, potentially reducing the storage burden for spent nuclear fuel.
Published work
Published work
2023 – 2025
Hydrogen Migration's Impact on Microreactor Behavior
Zirconium hydride is common in small reactor designs, but hydrogen redistributes under thermal gradients. I simulated this migration and modeled its reactivity impact across multiple reactor designs.
Published work · Thesis
Published work · Thesis
2022 – 2025
Thermal Expansion's Impact on Microreactor Behavior
Thermal expansion increases neutron leakage which becomes more significant as reactor size decreases. I coupled expansion with neutronic and thermal simulation across multiple reactor designs, including the KRUSTY space reactor design.
KRUSTY paper · Thesis
KRUSTY paper · Thesis
Consulting
Available as a nuclear educator and for technical expert opinions. My specialties are in SMR and microreactor design, as well as general nuclear and reactor physics topics. I aim to explain why reactors are designed the way they are, clearly and without jargon.
GET IN TOUCH → wrk.nuclear @ gmail . com
Contact
ACADEMIC
CONSULTING