Introduction
Oregon State University has appointed Camille Palmer as head of the School of Nuclear Science and Engineering (NSE) in the College of Engineering, effective this spring. A long-standing member of the COE faculty, Palmer brings deep experience in nuclear engineering research, education, and academic leadership at a moment of renewed national and global focus on nuclear science and technology.
Palmer is a tenured full professor in NSE and has served most recently as associate school head and previously as graduate program chair, roles in which she guided curriculum development, accreditation, faculty mentoring, and student success initiatives. She succeeds Brian Woods, whose tenure as school head helped strengthen NSE’s research portfolio, national laboratory partnerships, and educational programs.
head of the School of Nuclear Science and Engineering
Blue Primary, Yellow Secondary
Leadership grounded in experience and service
In announcing the appointment, Forrest J. Masters, Kearney Dean of Engineering, cited Palmer’s collaborative leadership style and deep engagement with the school’s faculty, students, and partners. “Dr. Palmer brings a strong record of transparent governance, interdisciplinary collaboration, and commitment to student-centered excellence,” Masters said. “She is exceptionally well positioned to lead NSE’s next phase of growth.”
Palmer’s research spans nuclear security, safeguards, radiation transport, and advanced modeling, with longstanding partnerships with the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), and multiple national laboratories. She currently serves as deputy director of the NNSA Consortium for Nuclear Forensics, reflecting her national leadership in workforce development and nonproliferation research.
Meeting the moment for nuclear science
As school head, Palmer sees an opportunity to build on NSE’s distinctive combination of experimental, computational, and policy-relevant strengths. “Nuclear science is at a pivotal moment,” she said. “Advanced reactors are moving from concept to deployment, national security challenges are evolving, and the demand for a highly trained workforce is growing rapidly. Our role as a land‑grant university is to prepare students who are ready to lead in that environment.”
Palmer’s vision for the school emphasizes integrated research across reactor engineering, materials, health physics, sensing, computation, and policy, alongside strong engagement with national laboratories, industry partners, and emerging nuclear startups. She also points to NSE’s revamped curriculum and student access to facilities such as the OSU TRIGA reactor as central to the school’s mission.
Palmer plans to continue strengthening NSE’s outward‑facing role while fostering a supportive, inclusive environment for faculty, staff, and students. “Our strength comes from working together — across disciplines and across institutions—to address problems that truly matter,” she said.
