Missouri S&T is home to the state’s first nuclear reactor. Operational since 1961 and one of only three nuclear reactors in Missouri, the S&T reactor is used for research, onsite tours, education, including distance courses for universities that have no reactor, and practical training. S&T nuclear engineering students can obtain their operator’s license by operating the reactor through the university’s training program. At full power (200 kilowatts), the pool reactor’s core produces some 5.4 trillion fissions per second. The resulting energy creates a blue glow in the pool. The greater the number of fissions, the more intense the glow.

Share This Story

Spark a Memory?

Share your story! Fill out the form below to share your fondest memory or anecdote of S&T. If you'd prefer not typing, you can also share by phone at 833-646-3715 (833-Miner150).

First woman department chair

First woman department chair

In 1990, Dr. Elizabeth Cummins was named chair of Missouri S&T’s English department. She joined S&T as an instructor in…

Contributing to a Nobel Prize

Contributing to a Nobel Prize

Dr. Clyde Cowan, ChemE’40, was posthumously recognized for his part in research that earned the 1995 Nobel Prize in physics….

Rosalie (Larson) and Stan Hadley

Rosalie (Larson) and Stan Hadley

Rosalie (Larson) and Stan Hadley met one Friday in September 1977 in TJ Hall. Rosalie’s roommate was a lab partner…

David and Karen (Miller) Sorrell

David and Karen (Miller) Sorrell

In the spring semester of 1979, David Sorrell was looking for an “easy A” during his senior year at Missouri…

Lynnae (Kempf) and Joe Wilson

Lynnae (Kempf) and Joe Wilson

Lynnae (Kempf) and Joe Wilson met and became friends during their first week on campus as freshmen. “I was on…

From uranium to wine

From uranium to wine

Richard K. Vitek, a 1958 chemistry graduate, began his career as a research chemist producing uranium from ore, before moving…