•most promising scientist - ph.d.•

Education:  PhD in Fluid Mechanics, Energetics, and Processes with Secialization in Nuclear Engineering, Grenoble Institute of Technology (France); Masters in Nuclear Engineering, Balseiro Institute (Argentina)

Despite being early in his career, Dr. Mauricio Tano-Retamales has already made a significant impact in the field of nuclear engineering, helping shape a future where nuclear energy plays a pivotal role in reducing global carbon emissions, powering economic prosperity, and ending energy poverty across the globe. His work is leading us toward a cleaner, more secure, and resilient energy future.

As an engineer working on molten salt reactors, small modular reactors and microreactors in the Thermal Fluids Systems and Methods Analysis group at the Idaho National Laboratory, Dr. Tano-Retamales has been instrumental in spearheading efforts crucial to the realization of an advanced nuclear reactor vital to the world’s ability to meet rapidly increasing demands for power while combating the effects of climate change. 

His leadership of INL’s research in the modeling and simulation of multiphysics phenomenon in molten salt reactors has led to multiple publications and placed the lab at the forefront of a technology that will pay dividends with the demonstration of the Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment, which is poised to become the world's first fast-spectrum salt reactor experiment.

Before joining INL in 2021, Dr. Tano-Retamales conducted important reactor research in Argentia, and he participated in the construction of two nuclear power plants in France. His work has led to technological breakthroughs that advanced the nuclear industry and helped resolve and overcome challenges impeding development and deployment.

Dr. Tano-Retamales has received notable accolades that speak volumes about his remarkable expertise and dedication throughout his career, including recognition for computational fluid dynamics model development at INL in 2021, and a service award during the COVID-19 pandemic from Houston Methodist Hospitals. He won the Jean Bourgeois Prize Mention for best engineering PhD in France – a notable achievement in one of Europe's most competitive academic landscapes. 

Dr. Tano-Retamales is also the principal investigator for three U.S. Department of Energy projects that promise to significantly advance nuclear research and the nuclear energy industry.  His central role in the development of the Pronghorn Computational Toolkit contributed to the design of advanced reactors while offering opportunities for a thorough safety analysis.  This technology is paying dividends in contracts with five vendors exploring advanced nuclear reactor designs.

Over the course of his career, Dr. Tano-Retamales has exhibited a commendable commitment to nurturing talent both within INL and through his engagement with students at academic institutions.  His work ethic, dedication and technical ability are an inspiration to up-and-coming engineers and to underrepresented communities, particularly Hispanic students, aspiring to work in STEM.  His example will help develop the future energy workforce, ensuring that a new generation picks up his important work and carries it forward.