Dr. Tashiema “Tash” Wilson Ulrich
Associate Researcher, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Dr. Tashiema “Tash” Ulrich is a research and development associate at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where she is a member of the Nuclear Fuel Element Performance Group. She was the first Black woman to receive a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from the University of South Carolina in 2019. Prior to joining ORNL in April 2021, she was a postdoctoral research assistant at Los Alamos National Lab in the Materials Science and Technology Division in the Fuels Research Laboratory. In her current role, Tash focuses on advanced post irradiation examination and characterization of irradiated fuel systems.
How did your experience at UWF shape who you are today?
Without my experience at UWF, I don’t think I would be the scientist I am today. My first chemistry class was with Dr. Karen Molek. She along with several other faculty members encouraged me and helped me get scholarships and get involved in research. Gaining research experience at UWF allowed me to land a research position in graduate school, which in turn led to the opportunity to conduct research at the Los Alamos National Lab in New Mexico. Also, I married my college sweetheart from UWF. We met in the chemistry program, and now we have a two-year-old.
Tell us a bit about your work.
Currently I work on novel nuclear fuel. One of my projects involves intentionally adding different elements to the fuel to see if it improves the property of the fuel and determine if we can use it as a signature. I also work with the Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence team. In that program I work with different countries to help them build their nuclear forensics capabilities.
What advice do you have for current students who hope to pursue doctoral studies in STEM fields?
Enjoy your undergraduate experience, both the educational part of it and the social part of it. Don’t get too bogged down on failing one exam. Try to get involved in research while an undergraduate. For a doctoral degree, the most important thing is being able to conduct research independently. I never thought I would be working for one of the top labs in the world. Never limit yourself. Always search for different opportunities.