October 8, 2025
By Mikey Fuller

Five students from the Nuclear and Radiological Engineering (NRE) program in Georgia Tech’s George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering have been named 2025–2026 American Nuclear Society (ANS) scholarship recipients.

The honorees — Sherry Adadi, Derek Lewis, Jack Schoonover, Calvin Washburn, and Winona Wiley — were selected for their academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to advancing the field of nuclear engineering.

Each year, ANS awards scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in nuclear science or engineering at accredited U.S. universities. Recipients are chosen based on academic achievement, involvement within ANS, and their career aspirations in the nuclear industry.

In 2025, the American Nuclear Society awarded 100 scholarships totaling $230,500. Since the program’s inception in 1979, ANS has distributed more than $7 million in scholarships to students advancing nuclear science and technology.

Sherry Adadi, ANS John and Muriel Landis Scholarship

A fourth-year Ph.D. student, Sherry Adadi is a member of the Radiological Engineering, Detection, and Dosimetry Laboratory (RED²) led by Associate Professor and Woodruff Faculty Fellow Shaheen Dewji. She also collaborates with the Radiation Protection Department at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and has contributed to multiple radiation hazard and shielding analysis projects.

“Receiving this scholarship means that I can continue concentrating on my research without worrying about the financial burden of graduate school,” Adadi said. “It is an excellent opportunity provided by the ANS, which opens many doors in my academic and future career journey.”

When she’s not conducting research, Adadi plays for Wreck, Georgia Tech’s women’s club ultimate frisbee team.

Derek Lewis, William R. and Mila Kimel Nuclear Engineering Scholarship

Derek Lewis, a third-year undergraduate student, focuses his research on applied materials science engineering and is a member of both Professor Anna Erickson’s Laboratory for Advanced Nuclear Nonproliferation and Safety (LANNS) and Dewji’s RED² team. He is also active in the Georgia Tech student chapter of the American Nuclear Society and Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity.

“As an out-of-state student, this scholarship provides support for learning nuclear engineering and my commitment to contributing to a clean and energy-secure future,” Lewis said.

Jack Schoonover, ANS Incoming Freshman Scholarship

First-year undergraduate student Jack Schoonover is eager to get involved in both research and campus life.

“I would absolutely love to get involved in research in any way,” Schoonover said. “I am also super into the sports scene here and am exploring opportunities to get involved there.”

Calvin Washburn, ANS Undergraduate Scholarship

Calvin Washburn, a third-year undergraduate student, conducts research on turbulence using a buoyant jet at Georgia Tech’s North Avenue Research Area (NARA).

“Earning this scholarship is important to me because I have two younger siblings,” Washburn said. “Being able to free up some resources that can go toward helping them with their future education feels good to me.

Winona Wiley, ANS Nontraditional Student Scholarship, ANS Operations & Power Division Scholarship

Third-year undergraduate student Winona Wiley focuses on power generation and works in Assistant Professor Fan Zhang's Intelligence for Advanced Nuclear (iFAN) Lab. She also serves as a reactor engineering co-op with the Southern Nuclear Company at Plant Vogtle in Waynesboro, Georgia.

“A goal of mine is to work in the power and operations division of the nuclear industry to ensure reliable, emission-free power becomes a foundation of our energy grid,” Wiley said. “Earning the ANS scholarships has not only provided financial support to continue pursuing this goal, but also given me confidence in my career choice and a sense of belonging in such an exciting industry.”

About ANS

The American Nuclear Society is the leading organization for those who embrace the nuclear sciences and technologies. ANS membership is open to all and consists of individuals from all walks of life, including engineers, doctors, students, educators, scientists, soldiers, advocates, government employees, and others. Celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2024, ANS is committed to advancing, fostering, and promoting the development and application of nuclear sciences and technologies to benefit society.