Neal is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. He is affiliated with the Nuclear and Radiation Engineering Program and the Webber Energy Group. His research explores using nuclear power to drive a low-carbon energy economy to minimize climate change. Recent research projects include
• modeling heat storage systems coupled to nuclear power plants;
• examining the resilience of bulk electric grids;
• analyzing the market and policy opportunities for nuclear–renewable energy integration; and
• electric grid modeling with the UT Energy Institute.
Previously, Neal worked in information technology at Southwestern University.
• Bulk thermal energy storage
• Climate change mitigation
• Electric grid modeling: economic dispatch and capacity change/expansion
• Nuclear hybrid energy systems
• Nuclear power economics
• M.S.E., Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 2017
• B.A., Music and Physics, Southwestern University, 2007
• Integrated University Program Fellowship, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy
• Thrust 2000—Tom O. Moncrief, Jr. Endowed Graduate Fellowship in Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin