Dr. Michael Short

Michael Short is a Associate Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering, joined the faculty at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in July 2013. He brings more than 15 years of research experience in nuclear materials, microstructural characterization, and alloy development. His work integrates large-scale experiments, micro- and nanoscale characterization techniques, and multiphysics modeling and simulation to solve complex problems in nuclear science and engineering.

Professor Short holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Nuclear Science and Engineering and in Materials Science and Engineering, both awarded by MIT in 2005. He continued his graduate studies at MIT, earning an M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering in 2010, and a Ph.D. in Nuclear Science and Engineering later that same year.

His research primarily focuses on three key areas. The first is the development of non-contact, non-destructive techniques to measure irradiated material properties, particularly using Transient Grating Spectroscopy (TGS). Second, his group works on preventing the deposition of deleterious phases, such as CRUD (Chalk River Unidentified Deposits), which form as fouling layers in nuclear reactors and other energy systems. Third, he is advancing the quantification of radiation damage through stored energy fingerprints—a novel approach that earned him the prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award in 2016.

Professor Short’s dedication to teaching and mentoring has been widely recognized. He received the MIT Bose Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2022 and was named a MacVicar Faculty Fellow in 2021, one of MIT’s highest honors for undergraduate teaching. He was previously honored with the Junior Bose Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2017, the Earll S. Murman Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising in 2016, and the Ruth and Joel Spira Award for Excellence in Mentoring and Advising in the same year.

His research and communication excellence have also earned international recognition. He received Best Poster at the 1st Annual MIT NSE Research Expo in 2010, Best Nuclear Energy Presentation at the 2nd Tokyo Tech MERCES Forum in Okinawa, Japan, in 2009, and Best Graduate Paper at the Bodycote 2009 Paper Prize Competition in Cologne, Germany.