Bio
Jeffrey Fortner graduated with a B.S. with Honors in Applied Physics from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. He proceeded to study Physics at Penn State University. At Penn State, he conducted research on the structure of non-crystalline semiconductors, thin films, and nanoparticles. After receiving his Ph.D., he took a Postdoctoral Appointment at Argonne National Laboratory in the Molten Salt and Liquid Metal Group of the Chemical Technology Division. Upon finishing his Postdoc, he remained at Argonne, transitioning to applied work, using electron microscopy and x-ray spectroscopy to study high-level waste glasses and spent nuclear fuel for nuclear waste management, largely in support of the Yucca Mountain repository program.
As Principal Investigator for a Yucca Mountain Science Program, he led a team that became the first to use synchrotron x-ray spectroscopy (EXAFS/XANES) to directly measure the chemical speciation of transuranics and fission products in spent nuclear fuel. A vital component of this research, the development of a practical Bent Laue X-ray Analyzer to separate a trace component signal from an extensive background, is now a tool used at several synchrotron sites around the world for a broad range of studies. Later projects included studying simulated corium, offgas from pyroprocessing, modeling fuel storage and transportation, waste management at the proposed Korean PGSFR, alternatives to silicate glass waste forms, and RERTR fuel structure. Recently, he expanded his portfolio into NA-22 programs in proliferation-resistant approaches to direct disposal of fuel and to adding intentional forensics signatures to HALEU RERTR fuels.
Jeffrey joined Oak Ridge National Laboratory in 2021 as a Senior R&D Staff Member at Used Fuel & Nuclear Material Disposition Group, where his interests include fuel testing, PIE, microscopy, process and waste form development, and waste management.
Currently, Senior R&D Staff Member, Used Fuel & Nuclear Material Disposition Group, Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Responsibilities include fuel testing, PIE, microscopy, process and waste form development, and waste management. Dr. Fortner is the author of over 100 journal papers or conference proceedings.