Media contact: Tehreem Khan
David Russell, mentored by his professor, transformed from a curious student into a pioneering researcher in nuclear fuel recycling, earning multiple awards and recognition for his innovative work. Photography: Ian LogueWhen David Russell first joined the Burns Research Laboratory at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, he was a curious student. Under the guidance of Jonathan Burns, Ph.D., assistant professor in the UAB Department of Chemistry, Russell has transformed into a pioneering researcher ready to tackle the complexities of nuclear fuel recycling. On Saturday, Dec. 14, he is graduating with a bachelor’s in chemistry and public health with a minor in Japanese, and an accelerated master’s degree in public health focused on environmental and occupational health.
Russell began his research journey during the COVID-19 pandemic and quickly developed a passion for radiochemistry after meeting Burns in the fall of 2023.
“With my degrees focused on green, sustainable energy in environmental chemistry, I was drawn to Dr. Burns’ radiochemistry research on nuclear fuel recycling,” Russell said. “I knew this was where I wanted to invest my time and skills.”
Under Burn’s mentorship, Russell created a research project titled “Multivariate Modeling to Determine Concentrations of Elements found in Used Nuclear Fuel Recrystallization via UV-Vis-NIR Spectroscopy,” focusing on analyzing a way to recycle used nuclear fuel to reduce long-lasting nuclear waste.
Learn about accelerated learning opportunities at UAB here.
“We use a process to separate certain elements like neptunium, plutonium and americium, from waste so they can be reused,” Russell said. “My research focused on analyzing these elements during the process to see how well it worked. This was challenging as the usual analytical methods are complex and not suitable for large-scale recycling.”
Russell found that using multivariate analysis could overcome the problem of overlapping signals and spectra in the sample data. He prepared 115 unique solutions and UV-Vis and NIR spectroscopy, a method for assessing the optical properties of liquids and solids, to develop a multivariate model that could accurately measure the concentration of elements found within used nuclear fuel recycling.
“The success of this model means we are closer to using this method in large-scale recycling, which will help make nuclear energy more sustainable,” Russell said.
Russell’s UAB journey is decorated with national, statewide and institutional honors. In 2023, Burns nominated Russell for the American Chemical Society Nuclear Division’s Charles D. Coryell Award, which is a prestigious national award.
Photography: Ian Logue “I am extremely grateful to be the recipient of the 2024 Coryell Award,” Russell said. “It is a life-changing acknowledgment for the academic and professional development I’ve experienced as an undergraduate chemist.”
Russell presented his research at the UAB Service Learning and Undergraduate Research Expo, winning first place in the Physical and Applied Sciences Poster division in Fall 2023 and second place among all oral presenters in Spring 2024.
He received the Excellence in Undergraduate Research award from the UAB Department of Chemistry and a prestigious Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in summer 2024. Russell credits these achievements to his mentor, Burns.
“I am so very thankful Dr. Burns accepted me as his undergraduate researcher and gifted me the opportunity of stepping into my first research position, under the guidance of Dr. Jennifer M. Pyles,” Russell said. “To have such high-quality faculty available to us undergraduates at UAB, is a tremendous blessing.”
After graduation, Russell will be pursuing his Ph.D. in chemistry. Burns says he is excited to see what Russell’s in the world of research.
“David has been fantastic to have as a member of the Burns Research Lab; he is hardworking, thoughtful and inquisitive, qualities that make him an excellent scientist,” Burns said. “I have no doubt that he is one of the best and brightest and will go on to do extraordinary things.”