“I was in the Navy for about nine years and during that time I did nuclear chemistry aboard a submarine, which is what led me to the nuclear engineering program at the University of Utah. My bachelor’s degree is in chemistry with a minor in nuclear engineering and now I am pursuing a doctorate in nuclear engineering.

I was medically discharged from the Navy, which meant my military career ended before I had anticipated it would. After my discharge, I experienced a lot of depression because I couldn’t continue the work I had cared so much about. Starting the nuclear program at the U was exciting because I found a way to contribute to national security and keep service members safe. While my role is different than I expected, I am glad I still get to play a part in moving these goals forward.

In my current research, I am looking at different isotopes of oxygen and using the types and ratios of isotopes to determine where a material was made or stored. The idea is that this technology can be used to better track where items intercepted by the military come from. This can help with identifying the organization that may have made or sent the object and lead to increased security.

Being in the military helped me develop time management skills that are helping me succeed in my Ph.D. program. In the Navy, they tell you what to do and when you need to have it done and that’s all they say. And once you get into a doctorate program, it feels pretty similar.

In addition to that, my service really helped me learn about the different backgrounds people come from. Seeing people come together from a variety of walks of life and achieve a common goal, whether it’s a project in the Navy or a school assignment, is really special.

After I graduate, I want to complete a post-doctoral program at one of the national laboratories in the western United States. My hope is to delve deeper into the research I am doing now.”

— Brandon Mowes, 2024 Student Veteran of the Year, Nuclear Engineering Ph.D., Colorado Springs, Colorado