Travis Dietz

About Travis Dietz

The advent of commercial fusion energy is not just possible, it’s necessary. Critical to its success is the development and execution of a rigorous material irradiation evaluation and monitoring campaign to support engineering confidence in the chosen design. As a Materials Engineer at Helion, I am driving testing and characterization of a wide range of materials and properties for this purpose. Through both internal and external collaboration, I seek constant improvement to test campaign management and techniques for generating relevant irradiated materials ranging from neutron irradiations to heavy ion irradiations.My passion for nuclear and radiation science and engineering is predicated by my work as a Senior Reactor Operator of the Maryland University 250 kW TRIGA nuclear reactor and as a radiation effects engineer at Raytheon Technologies. Through my graduate work, I demonstrated the capability to execute numerous experimental techniques including pulse radiolysis, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.In my spare time, I am a proud and engaged member of the Seattle squash community, competing in multiple ranked events in the area. You can also find me hunting for unique insect and arachnid life while out hiking or camping in beautiful forests surrounding Seattle.

Experience

1. Materials Engineer

   Helion

   May 2024 — Present · Everett, WA, US

   Supporting materials R&D with a focus on radiation degradation of material properties- Assessing and executing accelerated radiation testing methodologies to support faster material characterization- Collaboration with mechanical engineering, diagnostics, and science teams to understand and to evaluate mitigation solutions for radiation degradation of systems- External engagement with commercial, university-based, and national laboratory facilities to perform material irradiations and characterization- Prioritizing materials testing in applicable radiation environments to support successful deployment of Polaris machine

Education

• University of Chicago

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with Honors, Chemistry

  2009 — 2013

• University of Maryland

  Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Materials Science and Engineering

  2013 — 2017

Skills

• Microsoft Office
• Spanish
• Matlab
• Data Analysis
• Thin Films
• Microsoft Word
• Mathematica
• Organic Chemistry
• Science
• Analysis
• Physics
• Research
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel