Materials used in nuclear energy systems are exposed to some of the most extreme conditions found on planet earth. Understanding how materials perform when subject to high temperatures, mechanical stresses, corrosive chemicals and energetic particles is critical in ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the current generation of nuclear power plants and in designing the next generation of fission and fusion reactors. Nuclear engineering students have the opportunity to work with a materials scientist and leverage the state-of-the-art facility through the campus Materials Research Center.