Award Year
Graduation Year
Department
Award Category
Biography
Distinguished Staff Scientist
DOE Microreactor Program – Technical Area Lead
Idaho National Laboratory
Piyush Sabharwall is a nationally recognized nuclear engineer whose career spans over two decades of innovation, leadership, and impact in advanced reactor technologies. As a Distinguished Staff Scientist at Idaho National Laboratory, he leads the Irradiation Experiment Thermal-Hydraulics Analysis Department, guiding research that supports nuclear fuels, materials, and next-generation reactor development.
Sabharwall’s expertise in thermal-hydraulics, heat transfer, and energy systems has positioned him as a key contributor to U.S. Department of Energy programs, including the Microreactor R&D Program and the Holtec SMR-160 Advanced Reactor Demonstration Project. He played a pivotal role in designing the gas-cooled cartridge loop for the Versatile Test Reactor, a project that tackled extreme engineering challenges and exemplified technical excellence.
His influence extends beyond INL. Sabharwall has authored over 400 peer-reviewed publications, contributed to multiple books, and holds several patents in heat exchanger and sensor technologies. He serves as an adjunct professor at Texas A&M University and the University of Michigan.
“My work is helping shape the future of the nuclear engineering field. At INL, I support a variety of research initiatives through both modeling and experimental work,” Sabharwall said. “As an adjunct faculty member, I’m hoping that my combination of hands-on work and mentorship leaves a lasting, positive impact on the field.”
Sabharwall’s leadership within the American Nuclear Society includes serving as Technical Program Chair for major conferences and co-founding the Advanced Reactor Group cohort.
Over the years, Sabharwall’s contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Asian American Engineer of the Year Award (2022) and multiple honors from ANS and ASME.
Reflecting on his time at Oregon State University, Sabharwall credits the College of Engineering for instilling the technical rigor and collaborative mindset that continue to guide his work.
“OSU had a profound influence on both my professional and personal journey,” Sabharwall said. “Academically, it gave me a strong foundation in nuclear engineering, preparing me to both understand conventional reactor technologies and contribute to next-generation energy systems. Personally, it fostered resilience, a growth mindset, and lifelong connections with peers and mentors who continue to inspire and support me.”