The nation’s legacy of high level nuclear waste is being transformed from liquid and solids of various forms to a durable glass. While a successful approach, the very large quantities of waste that must still be processed and eventually placed in a repository require we be as efficient as possible. Our research is focused on understanding the processes in forming the glass waste and in particular to formation of crystalline phases in the waste that can affect durability and loading. In addition, we are looking to explore new waste forms, developing models of their behavior and stability. Current efforts are focused on participation in the Department of Energy's Center for Hierarchical Waste Form Materials which is led by USC and includes participants at US national laboratories and a French national Laboratory, and other universities.
