Brett Pikkert
MASc Student
University of Regina
Biography
Brett is completing a Master of Applied Science degree at the University of Regina in the field of Industrial Systems Engineering. Brett’s research focuses on safe long-term disposal of TRI-structural ISO-tropic (TRISO) nuclear fuel particles within a deep geological repository (DGR). His work focuses on the electrochemistry of the silicon carbide (SiC) layer of TRISO fuel, more specifically the corrosion expected if exposed to groundwater subjected to radiolysis within the DGR. Brett’s research required him to be trained on electron-beam deposition at the University of Alberta nanoFAB facility under Timothy Harrison, and X-ray Photoelectric Spectroscopy at Surface Science Western under Dr. Jeff D. Henderson. Brett was a student volunteer for the Generation IV Small Modular Reactor (G4SR) conference in 2024. Outside of research Brett enjoys participating in cognitive challenges, expanding his film catalogue and knowledge, spending time with interactive media, photography, and outdoor recreation.