Nathan’s research focus is in the areas of advanced manufacturing processes pertaining to various areas of nuclear materials. He has extensive experience in developing and characterizing advanced alloys through powder metallurgical processes including uranium-based monolithic fuels for applications in Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) and ultra-high temperature ceramics. His research has also been focused on advanced joining technologies, such as pressure resistance welding and laser beam welding processes, and their applications for advanced nuclear cladding alloys and refractory metal components. Nathan is a NASA NIAC fellow, where he primarily investigated an advanced in-space radioisotope-powered propulsion system for small payloads to the outer planets. Nathan holds bachelor degrees in both Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering as well as a master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Idaho. He is currently a doctoral candidate in the Department of Chemical and Materials Science and Engineering of the University of Idaho. He has several publications in these areas and has extensively presented his research at various conferences and exhibitions.