Communications Liaison

As the new Communications Liaison for the Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF), Tiera Cate is excited to help amplify the important work taking place through NSUF and its partner facilities. The aim is to maintain consistent communication and aid in making information as transparent as possible. 

Cate previously supported project management work at the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR), an essential Idaho National Laboratory asset, where she highlighted successful projects through the Plant Health Program Accomplishments Report. Prior to working for INL, Cate provided technical administrative support for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Boise, Idaho, by supporting their Regulatory Division.

Cate holds an undergraduate degree in Technical Communication from Boise State University (Boise, Idaho) and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Adult Organizational Learning and Leadership from the University of Idaho (Moscow, Idaho).

Industry Lead

Dr. Peng Xu joined Idaho National Laboratory as the Post Irradiation Examination (PIE) Department Manager in 2020 and recently joined the NSUF program as the Industry Program lead. His department is dedicated to engineering PIE and advanced characterization to support the nuclear energy research community users such as universities and the private industry.

Prior to joining INL, Dr. Xu worked as a Fellow Engineer at the Westinghouse Electric Company, where he led several nuclear fuel and material development programs. His main focuses and contributions were to advance the light water reactor fuel and materials technologies, resulting in 28 patent applications in nuclear fuel and materials design and manufacturing. Dr. Xu led several international consortiums and working groups in nuclear fuel R&D with industry partners, universities, and government entities. He has published over 50 peer reviewed journal articles and conference papers. He served as the chairman for the NSUF Users Organization Executive Committee from 2013 to 2014.

Dr. Xu holds a bachelor’s degree in materials science & engineering (MS&E) from Sichuan University in China, and a Ph.D. in MS&E from University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida.