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CNL – USRE

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories Undergraduate Summer Research Experience

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The Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) Undergraduate Nuclear Research Experience is a new offering to support students seeking to develop research and nuclear workforce skills and to inspire future leaders in nuclear science and engineering.

These experiences will be awarded to undergraduate students in the Faculties of Science and Engineering who express an interest in pursuing a nuclear-related summer research work experience with a faculty member at McMaster. In alignment with McMaster and CNL’s strategic priorities, areas of research interest include but are not limited to:

  1. Supporting the development of biological applications and understanding the implications of radiation on living things.
  2. Supporting environmental stewardship and radioactive waste management.
  3. Enhancing national and global security, nuclear preparedness and emergency response.
  4. Supporting safe, secure and responsible use and development of nuclear technologies.

Find out more on the CNL website.

Inclusive of the award, recipients will travel as a cohort to CNL in Chalk River, for a two-week work-related experience where they will be hosted at Canada’s nationally funded nuclear laboratories. Expenditures related to the work field experience, such as travel and accommodation and coordinated events will be supported by CNL funding. Recipients will also be paired with a CNL co-supervisor for additional mentorship opportunities and to provide guidance related to research projects.

Questions? Please check the FAQ section, and if you could not find the answer to your question, then contact:

Faculty of Engineering Students: Samantha Mahoney (mahons1@mcmaster.ca)
Faculty of Science Students: Ali Solhi (solhia1@mcmaster.ca)

Expandable List

To be eligible to apply, you must:

  • be a current full-time student in Level 2, 3, or 4 of an Undergraduate Program in the Faculty of Engineering or the Faculty of Science at McMaster University
  • have a minimum cGPA of B
  • have been registered at the time of application in at least one of the two terms immediately before holding the award

You are not eligible if you:

  • have completed all your degree requirements and are no longer registered in an Undergraduate Program in the Faculty of Engineering or the Faculty of Science at McMaster University at the time of your application
  • have started a program of graduate studies

CNL Research Experiences have a value of $10,000 each (minimum rate of pay for students would be $17.20 per hour), payable as employment income; students will be employed by McMaster University, working with a research supervisor who is typically located on or near the main campus.

Students are strongly encouraged to register their research positions as co-op work-terms with their Science/Engineering Co-op and Career Office.

The duration of the award is 16 weeks on a full-time basis during the Spring/Summer terms, which includes a 2-week on-site research experience at the CNL facility in Chalk River, Ontario Sunday July 13 – Friday July 25 (dates are subject to change). Recipients will be primarily based on campus to carry out their summer research experience with their faculty supervisor.

  1. Ensure that you are eligible
  2. Complete the application form below and attach your unofficial transcript to your application. Note the 2025 applications are due Wednesday, February 12th at 5pm.
  3. While not required, it is encouraged that applicants reach out to the supervisor(s) that they are applying to; see the list of 12 projects below.

Apply to the 2025 CNL USRE Here

Applications will undergo evaluation by the primary faculty member(s) leading the research project with support from representatives in the Faculty of Science, Faculty of Engineering, and CNL. The selection process will consider the following criteria:

  • Academic excellence, including cumulative GPA and relevant coursework completed by the applicant.
  • Quality of written response addressing the question: why are you interested in participating in this research project?
  • Verification of whether the student fulfills the outlined requirements specified in the project description, and in the CNL USRE general eligibility listed above.

Results will be emailed directly to the recipient(s) and payment will be issued in accordance with the Faculty’s pay procedures.

  1. Interim report in a verbal or virtual meeting halfway through the research experience will be scheduled for CNL, recipients and McMaster Principal Investigators. This will provide networking opportunities for McMaster Principal Investigators and CNL researchers in addition to providing mentorship and learning opportunities for recipients.
  2. McMaster will host a CNL cohort conference which may include posters and presentation at the end of the summer research experience.
  3. Inclusive of the research experience, recipients will travel to Chalk River Laboratories or other sites managed by CNL as applicable, on a 2-week work-related experience where they will be hosted by CNL.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) Undergraduate Nuclear Research Experience 

General Information 

 Q1: What is the CNL Undergraduate Nuclear Research Experience? 

A: The CNL Undergraduate Nuclear Research Experience is a summer research opportunity for undergraduate students in the Faculties of Science and Engineering at McMaster University. Participants engage in nuclear-related research projects under faculty supervision and receive mentorship from CNL researchers. The program also includes a two-week experiential learning visit to CNL in Chalk River, funded by CNL. 

Eligibility & Application 

 Q2: Who is eligible to apply for the program? 

A: The program is open to undergraduate students currently enrolled in Level 2, 3, or 4 in the Faculty of Science or Faculty of Engineering at McMaster University. Level 1 students are not eligible. 

Q3: I am a student in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Can I apply? 

A: Unfortunately, at this time, the program is only open to students registered in the Faculty of Science or Faculty of Engineering. 

Q4a: I switched programs recently. Should I include my previous program’s grades in my cumulative GPA calculation? 

A: Yes, applicants should include all terms from their undergraduate studies, including any previous programs they were enrolled in at McMaster. 

Q4b: I am currently enrolled in PNB, which begins as a second-year program, should I include the grades from my first year, when I was enrolled in the Life Sciences program? 

A: Yes, applicants should include all terms from their undergraduate studies, including any previous programs they were enrolled in at McMaster. 

Q5: I am in my fifth year and will be graduating soon. Am I eligible? 

A: Yes, if you are a full-time undergraduate student in Level 2, 3, or 4 during the application period, you are eligible to apply.   

Q6: I’m in first year and am very interested in the program. Are exceptions ever granted for first year students to participate? 

A: Unfortunately, the level of study is outlined in the agreement with CNL so we do not have any flexibility around this, and as such, we cannot grant any exceptions.  

Chalk River Work Experience 

 Q7: Do I need to arrange my own transportation and accommodation for the two-week visit to Chalk River? 

A: No, transportation and accommodation will be arranged and covered by CNL. Students will stay in a hotel or residence during their time in Chalk River.   

Q8: I do not own a vehicle. How will I commute during the two-week visit? 

A: Transportation from Hamilton to Chalk River will be coordinated by the program. Additionally, daily transportation between the accommodation and the CNL facility will be provided. 

Program Expectations & Safety 

Safety Measures at McMaster University 

All research labs and researchers at McMaster University conducting radioactive work are subject to RMM-700: Radiation Safety Program for University Laboratories (https://healthphysics.mcmaster.ca/app/uploads/2021/10/RMM700_December_2017.pdf). The program is implemented by the Health Physics Department to ensure compliance with the Canadian Nuclear Safety and Control Act and Regulations, and its overall objectives are to prevent deterministic effects (i.e. Radiation injuries), minimize the possibility of stochastic effects to works and to protect the public and environment by requiring doses be maintained As Low As Reasonably Achievable.

To answer the questions provided:

Q1. What barriers are in place to cut off or minimize exposure to radiation?

A: The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) provides act and regulations that all licensees are required to follow with regards to conducting any work with radioactive materials. All personnel working in a research lab, and any campus facility in which nuclear substances are present, stored, or used, are required to complete radiation safety training and be designated as a Nuclear Energy Worker (NEW). The CNSC provides regulatory dose limits for NEWs as 50 mSv in one year or 100 mSv in five years (an average of 20 mSv per year). McMaster University has established Administrative Control Levels for all facilities with more controlled effective dose limits of 2 mSv per year. All doses obtained by individuals working at McMaster University are kept As Low As Reasonably Achievable, social and economic factors taken into account.

As to barriers used to minimize radiation exposure, there are three key factors utilized:

Engineering Controls – shielding of radioactive work and storage areas, secure storage of radioactive materials, use of containment areas as applicable (such as fume hoods, hot cells, etc.), access restrictions, radiation area alarms for high hazard areas

Administrative Controls – training, standard operating procedures, contamination and radiation area posting, high hazard work planning, dosimetry, permit designations

Personal Controls – PPE such as gloves and lab coats, consumable restrictions in radioactive work areas

Q2. Is the amount of radiation exposed to measure by an instrument for each employee? If so, how is it measured?

A: Yes, McMaster University continuously monitors radiation exposures to individuals who utilizes thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) provided by a licenced dosimetry service and electronic personal dosimeters (EPDs) to monitor individual radiation exposure. Depending on the scope of work, some individuals may also be issued extremity dosimeters to monitor the dose to the hands. The TLDs and extremity dosimeters get exchanged on a quarterly basis and doses are reviewed by Health Physics. These results are posted outside of the Health Physics Administrative Office for review or are available upon request. A annual exposure report is provided to all individuals who have been issued a TLD and/or extremity dosimeter.  EPDs are set with dose and dose rate alarm set-points to align with the scope of work. These units provide a live read, so doses can be tracked easily by individuals.

Bioassay measurements are also available for individuals working with radioiodines in the lab or as directed by the Health Physics Department.

Q3. What is the typical amount of exposure an employee at CNL receives in a year of work? Understanding this, how much radiation exposure would be estimated to a CNL USRE participant?”

A: In general, individuals are exposed to approximately 3 mSv of background radiation a year from naturally occurring sources in the environment. The typical exposure an employee at McMaster University receives depends on their work location and scope of work. For example, individuals who work in the reactor tend to see higher overall doses compared to individuals who work in research labs. Individuals conducting radioactive work in a research lab typically receive less than 0.1 mSv per year, and student doses are typically lower due to more limited exposure. This would be equivalent to the dose received in about 1 chest x-ray

Safety Measures at CNL  

Note: Safety training (Group 4 training) will be provided and required by all successful candidates. 

Q1: What are the working hours during the two-week visit to Chalk River? 

A: Specific work hours will be confirmed closer to the visit, but participants should expect a full-time research experience during normal business hours.   

Q2: What safety measures are in place to protect students from radiation exposure? 

A: CNL follows strict radiation safety regulations set by the CNSC, which limits radiation exposure for Nuclear Energy Workers to 5,000 mrem/year or 10,000 mrem over five years. Each CNL site enforces Action Levels below these limits and applies ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principles to minimize exposure. 

Key radiation protection measures include: 

  • Engineering controls – shielding, containment, ventilation, alarms, and access restrictions.
  • Administrative controls – work planning, exposure optimization, and radiological zone classifications.
  • Personal protective measures – PPE, food and beverage restrictions, and dosimeter use.

Radiological work areas are clearly marked, and all staff are trained to follow strict protocols, including adhering to safety postings, using dosimeters, and reporting unusual radiological situations. Exposure reduction follows three main strategies: 

  • Time – Minimizing time spent near radiation sources. 
  • Distance – Maximizing distance from sources. 
  • Shielding – Using barriers between workers and sources.  

Q3: Is radiation exposure measured for employees and students? 

A: Yes, radiation exposure at CNL is continuously monitored using dosimeters and personal alarming devices (PADs):   

  • Dosimeter Badges – Worn by workers in controlled areas to officially track external radiation exposure (CNSC-approved).
  • Personal Alarming Dosimeters (PADs) – Provide real-time dose and dose rate monitoring with alarms if limits are exceeded.
  • Bioassay & Body Counting – Used for internal exposure monitoring.
  • Exposure Reports – Employees receive at least one official exposure report annually and can request updates anytime.

Q4: What is the typical radiation exposure for an employee at CNL? How does this compare to students in the program? 

A: For context, the average North American receives 620 mrem/year from natural background radiation. At CNL, the average occupational dose for employees at Chalk River Laboratories is 27 mrem/year—significantly lower than other professions like airline flight crews (400–600 mrem/year) or medical personnel (70 mrem/year). 

USRE participants would receive even lower doses, as they typically have limited exposure to radiological work environments and are subject to strict radiation safety measures. 

Available Projects

Project 1: Investigating the properties of materials under extreme conditions with neutron beams Explore Project 1

with Dr. Pat Clancy (McMaster), Dr. Oksana Shiman (CNL)

Student requirements: Previous lab experience or lab coursework in physics, chemistry, or engineering would be an asset for this project, but is not a strict requirement. Successful applicants will be required to complete health physics training and security screening in order to carry out work in the McMaster Nuclear Reactor.

Faculty of Science

Project 2: Radiobromination of peptide targeting vectors via cysteine modification for PET imaging and radiopharmaceutical therapy Explore Project 2

with Dr. James Inkster (McMaster) and Dr. Sventlana Selivanova (CNL)

Student requirements: Must have taken “Organic Chemistry I” or equivalent, Must be comfortable working with rodents, Must be comfortable working with ionizing radiation (SAFELY)

Faculty of Science

Project 3: Development of chelators for yttrium coordination Explore Project 3

with Dr. David Emslie (McMaster) and Dr. Svetlana Selivanova (CNL)

Please refer to the minimum eligibility criteria.

Faculty of Science

 

Project 4: Exploration of Quantum Materials with Neutrons Explore Project 4

with Dr. Graeme Luke (McMaster) and Dr. Zahra Yamani (CNL)

Please refer to the minimum eligibility criteria.

Faculty of Science

Project 5: actinium-225 radioimmunoconjugate for glioblastoma therapy using an orthotopic patient derived xenograft mouse model Explore Project 5

with Dr. Saman Sadeghi (McMaster) and Dr. Marcelo Vasquez (CNL)

Please refer to the minimum eligibility criteria.

Faculty of Science

Project 6: Using 18F-labeled Enzyme Inhibitors to Image Bacterial Infections. Explore Project 6

with Dr. Paul Berti (McMaster) and Dr. Dr. Svetlana Selivanova (CNL)

Please refer to the minimum eligibility criteria.

Faculty of Science

Project 7: Modelling of Thermal Conductivity in MOX Nuclear Fuel Explore Project 7

with Dr. Nana Ofori-Opoku (McMaster) and Dr. Thaneshwor Kaloni (CNL)

Student requirements:

Basic understanding of partial differential equations and their solutions.
Familiarity with numerical methods (finite difference, finite element, etc.).
Competency in Python (or willingness to learn).
Familiarity with (or willingness to learn) scientific computing.
Basic knowledge of microstructure evolution.
Understanding of thermal conductivity in materials.
Prior exposure to scientific computing and modelling projects is beneficial.
Faculty of Engineering

Project 8: Radiogenic backgrounds in a liquid neon neutrino detector Explore Project 8

with Dr. Adriaan Buijs (McMaster) and Dr. Andrew Erlandson (CNL)

Please refer to the minimum eligibility criteria.

Faculty of Engineering

Project 9: Evaluation of Candidate Material Performance in Advanced Nuclear Reactor Conditions Explore Project 9

with Dr. Bipasha Bose (McMaster), Dr. Stephen Veldhuis (McMaster), Dr. Vineet Bhakhri (CNL), and Dr. Hygreeva Namburi (CNL)

Please refer to the minimum eligibility criteria.

Faculty of Engineering

Project 10: Non-destructive investigation of nuclear materials for early stage radiation damage and corrosion effects Explore Project 10

with Dr. Peter Mascher (McMaster), Dr. Andy Knights (McMaster), and Dr. Oksana Shiman (CNL)

Student requirement: Previous lab experience or lab coursework in physics, chemistry, or engineering in areas such as condensed matter/solid state physics, statistical mechanics, or computational physics would be an asset for this project, but is not a strict requirement. Successful applicants will be required to complete health physics training and security screening in order to carry out work in the McMaster Nuclear Reactor, High Level Laboratory Facility, Tandem Accelerator Building.

Faculty of Engineering

Project 11: In Situ X-ray Computed Tomography Imaging and Numerical Modeling of Candidate Materials Weld-Joints for Advanced Reactors to Study the Failure Behaviors Under Tensile Loading Explore Project 11

with Dr. Andre Phillion (McMaster) and Dr. Madalena Spencer (CNL),
Dr. Reeghan Osmond (CNL), and Dr. Hygreeva Namburi (CNL)

Please refer to the minimum eligibility criteria.

Faculty of Engineering

Project 12: Irradiation and Characterization of Surrogate TRISO Fuel Particles Explore Project 12

with Dr. Markus Piro (McMaster), Dr. Michael Gharghouri (CNL), and Dr. Hygreeva Namburi (CNL)

Please refer to the minimum eligibility criteria.

Faculty of Engineering

Past Projects

Project 1: Investigating the properties of materials under extreme conditions with neutron beams Explore Project 1

with Dr. Pat Clancy (McMaster), Dr. Oksana Shiman (CNL), and Dr. Qingshan Dongand (CNL)

Student requirements: Previous lab experience or lab coursework in physics, chemistry, or engineering would be an asset for this project, but is not a strict requirement.  Successful applicants will be required to complete health physics training and security screening in order to carry out work in the McMaster Nuclear Reactor.

Project 2: Exploring the properties of quantum materials with neutron beams Explore Project 2

with Dr. Pat Clancy (McMaster), and Dr. Zahra Yamani (CNL)

Student requirements: Previous lab experience or lab coursework in physics, chemistry, or engineering would be an asset for this project, but is not a strict requirement.  Successful applicants will be required to complete health physics training and security screening in order to carry out work in the McMaster Nuclear Reactor.

Project 3: Next generation” 18F-rhodamines as potential myocardial perfusion PET imaging agents Explore Project 3

with Dr. James Inkster (McMaster), and Dr. Svetlana Selivanova (CNL)

Student requirements: As significant portion of the project will require knowledge and hands-on experience with small molecule organic synthesis, the student should have achieved high marks in their 2nd year organic chemistry classes. The student will receive health and safety training as required by McMaster Chemistry & Chemical Biology before working in the Inkster synthetic laboratory. They will also receive radiation safety training provided by McMaster Nuclear Operations and Facilities and Health Physics, followed by specialized training in radiopharmaceutical synthesis and formulation (provided by the Inkster lab). The student must be comfortable working (safely) with hazardous chemicals, ionizing radiation, and rodents.

Project 4: Quantifying the environmental impacts for an SMR at Chalk River site Explore Project 4

with Dr. Carmel Mothersill (McMaster), and Dr. Marilyn Stuart (CNL)

Project 5: PET imaging of Alpha Fetoprotein in COLO-205 cancer model Explore Project 5

with Dr. Sam Sadeghi (McMaster), Dr. Svetlana Selivanova, and Dr. Candice Didychuk (CNL)

Project 6: Safety consideration for small modular reactors using TRISO fuel. Explore Project 6

with Dr. Adriaan Buijs (McMaster) and Dr. Alex Trottier (CNL)

Additional Information: You will be given extensive reading material in preparation.  You will be attending the weekly meetings of the group and present any progress/issues you had in your work and learn about what others are doing. You will be asked (by the faculty) to prepare a poster on your work for presentation to other summer students. Your work may also lead to something that can be presented at a student conference of the Canadian Nuclear Society.

Project 7: Neutronic simulation of tritium production and charged particle tracking in Stellarators Explore Project 7

with Dr. Adriaan Buijs (McMaster) and Dr. Blair Bromley (CNL)

Additional Information: You will be given extensive reading material in preparation.  You will be attending the weekly meetings of the group and present any progress/issues you had in your work and learn about what others are doing. You will be asked (by the faculty) to prepare a poster on your work for presentation to other summer students. Your work may also lead to something that can be presented at a student conference of the Canadian Nuclear Society.

Project 8: Developing a Low Temperature Molten Salt Exposure Methodology for Corrosion Study Explore Project 8

with Dr. Joey Kish (McMaster), Dr. Naid Khumsa-Ang (CNL), Dr. Harry Ha (CNL), Dr. Raul Florez Meza (CNL), and/or Dr. Lori Walters (CNL)

Student requirements: Previous lab experience or lab coursework in physics, chemistry, or engineering in areas such as condensed matter/solid state physics, statistical mechanics, or computational physics would be an asset for this project, but is not a strict requirementSuccessful applicants will be required to complete health physics training and security screening in order to carry out work in the McMaster Nuclear Reactor, High Level Laboratory Facility, Tandem Accelerator Building. 

Project 9: Non-destructive investigation of nuclear materials for early stage radiation damage and corrosion effects Explore Project 9

with Dr. Andy Knights (McMaster), Dr. Peter Mascher (McMaster), and Dr. Oksana Shiman (CNL)

Project 12: Evaluation of SiC under elevated temperature conditions Explore Project 12

with Dr. Stephen Veldhuis (McMaster), Dr. Bipasha Bose (McMaster), Dr. Vineet Bhakhri (CNL), Dr. Sterling St. Lawrence (CNL), and Dr. Hygreeva Namburi (CNL)