Skip to main content
Start of main content

Breazeale Nuclear Reactor Neutron Beam Lab Addition

Helping Penn State become one of the nation’s premier neutron science destinations

  • 14K

    Square Feet

  • The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA

    The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA

Improving research and education facilities that will open new horizons for neutron science

Penn State's Radiation Science and Engineering Center (RSEC) promotes research and education of radiation and nuclear science and engineering on campus, as well as to universities, governments, and industries worldwide. The Penn State Breazeale Reactor (PSBR) at the RSEC is the nation's longest continuously operating university research reactor. It supports several research and education activities—and now it’s one of the most productive.

When the RSEC needed to expand their PSBR laboratory, they looked to us to design this technically demanding laboratory and research facility. The project consisted of both new construction and renovation of existing spaces for a new neutron beam hall and student and faculty research spaces, incorporating Penn State’s strong sustainability principals.

We designed and managed the equipment fit up, constructability, sustainable design, and all the complex systems that make successful research possible—phasing our work to reduce disruption of ongoing research, including the best means to build around active “hot” areas. A parallel effort focused on evaluation of the RSEC’s building infrastructure that included the building engineering systems. These technical upgrades enable concurrent operations for five neutron beam ports, allowing for 13 operations at once.

The new facility provides an excellent on campus test bed for instrument and experiment development—as well as becoming one of the nation’s premier neutron science destinations.

At a Glance

Offices
Client
  • The Pennsylvania State University
Partners
  • Stahl Schafer Engineering
Meet Our Team

Thomas Walsh, Vice President, Regional Leader, US (Northeast)

Business models change. Underlying objectives and goals shift. Helping the entire team achieve success is best way to continue to grow.
Thomas Walsh Vice President, Regional Leader, US (Northeast) Read More

Ryan Wilcox, Principal, Buildings Engineering

Our commitment to leveraging the latest tools and technology in designs can make a meaningful difference for future generations.

Alex Wing, Principal, Education

Balancing analysis and design, I develop an optimal match between academic, research, and support facilities, and the client’s mission.

Thomas Walsh

Vice President, Regional Leader, US (Northeast)

Ryan Wilcox

Principal, Buildings Engineering

Alex Wing

Principal, Education

We’re better together

  • Become a client

    Partner with us today to change how tomorrow looks. You’re exactly what’s needed to help us make it happen in your community.

  • Design your career

    Work with passionate people who are experts in their field. Our teams love what they do and are driven by how their work makes an impact on the communities they serve.

End of main content
To top