I am Fatemeh Fazlikhani, a Master’s student in Dr. James Noël’s research group. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Materials Engineering in 2015 in Iran, where I developed a strong foundation in materials science and corrosion engineering. Building on this background, I joined Dr. Noël’s lab to pursue graduate research at the intersection of materials performance and nuclear energy systems.
My current work focuses on the galvanic coupling of graphite with carbon steel inserts in Used Fuel Containers (UFCs). I investigate how graphite interacts with steel under conditions such as moisture and radiation exposure, with particular attention to the ways these interactions can accelerate or mitigate corrosion. By improving the understanding of these processes, my research provides valuable insights into the long-term durability and safety of nuclear fuel storage systems, supporting the development of more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure.