Radiochemistry

About the Program

Radiochemistry is the discipline dedicated to the study of the chemical and physical properties of radioactive elements. Radiochemists utilize both the radioactive and chemical characteristics of elements and compounds to address technical needs in many areas, including:

The speciation and behavior of containments in the environment
Radioactive waste treatment and disposal
Beneficial uses of radioactive materials throughout the medical profession

The field demands that professionals in this area have a thorough understanding of both the theoretical and applied aspects of radiochemistry that are well founded in basic sciences and mathematics.

The UNLV Radiochemistry program is committed to student research. The growing and expanding program has graduate students engaged in research paying an initial stipend of $25,000/year, including full tuition, fees, and health insurance.

UNLV Capabilities and Commitments

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Laboratories

The RadChem program collaborates with several national and international laboratories including Argonne National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory, Nevada Site Office, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and others.

The program has over 7,500 square feet of radiochemistry laboratories capable of handling a range of activities. These facilities contain a host of experimental equipment for use in experiments:

Radionuclide counting facilities: Gamma detectors, alpha detectors, scintillation counter
Spectroscopy: Infrared, UV-Visible, Laser, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy, Synchrotron (at national facilities)
X-ray diffraction: Powder, Single Crystal
Microscopy: Scanning, Tunneling
Analytical: ICP-Atomic Emission, ICP-Mass spectroscopy, Electrospray

UNLV is the ideal location for graduate radiochemistry research. The Radiochemistry Ph.D. program has numerous ties to national and international laboratories, providing opportunities for internships and travel. The program has the capability and expertise to perform experiments with radionuclides, and is close to the Nevada Test Site and Yucca Mountain. Las Vegas offers all the opportunities of a 24-hour city and a range of outdoor activities, including world-class hiking and mountain biking.

Laboratory Management

The Radiochemistry Program at UNLV has certified processes to ensure that our lab results are accurate and reliable. Our staff works to make certain we have a safe working environment for UNLV students, faculty, researchers and visitors. They are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the program including laboratory management, equipment maintenance and safety training as well as the business functions of the unit. Radiochemistry personnel guide students in the areas of laboratory policies and procedures, safety training, and university policies and procedures regarding academic advancement.