Logan Smith (PhD candidate; Artem Gelis group) successfully defended his dissertation defense on Thursday, April 2, 2026. Since joining the UNLV radiochemistry PhD program in fall 2021, Logan has been a dedicated researcher within the academic community. His dissertation, titled Extraction of Tetra- and Hexavalent Actinides from Nitric Acid by HEH[EHP] and T2EHDGA with Applications explores the complex chemical behaviors of actinides in nitric acid solutions. By utilizing these extractants, his research provides a framework for more efficient separation processes. These findings have significant implications for nuclear fuel cycle management and the advancement of environmental remediation technologies. Logan has accepted a position at UNLV as a postdoctoral researcher under the continued guidance of his thesis advisor, Artem Gelis.