Katrina Koehler Published by Springer and Awarded for Contributions to Field

Katrina Koehler, PhD., recently contributed research to three chapters of the second edition of the Nondestructive Assay of Nuclear Materials for Safeguards and Security published by Springer. Koehler also received the Early Career Excellence Award from Western Michigan University for her exceptional work and contributions to the field of physics.

“One of my proudest accomplishments has been contributing to the second version of the Nondestructive Assay of Nuclear Materials for Safeguards and Security handbook—known as the PANDA manual,” Koehler said about her contributions. “This key resource is a guide to the methods used in the field, and my contributions span both neutron and gamma methods, which are typically pursued as distinct specialties. Making significant contributions to both areas has been incredibly rewarding.”

She also expressed what made her interested in physics in the first place.

“I got into physics because it was the first subject that truly challenged me. I actually failed my first physics test, but instead of giving up, I made it my mission to ‘beat physics’. That determination set me on a path into the sciences…My own work focuses on ensuring nuclear materials are used for peaceful purposes like nuclear power and nuclear medicine, supporting the goals of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. I develop detectors and algorithms to track and characterize nuclear material, ensuring it stays within a nuclear process and isn’t diverted for a clandestine nuclear weapons program.”

Koehler makes it her mission to help her students understand physics to the best of their abilities. “In the classroom, I thrive on helping students face their physics fears. I want them to discover that they, too, can master difficult material. Physics is everywhere, not just in textbooks. I encourage my students to share ‘science sightings’—ways they notice physics in their daily lives. It makes the subject come alive.”