Developing Nuclear Forensic Skills in the Undergraduate Lab: A Case Study in Radioactive Source Attribution

This article presents an engaging laboratory module that introduces undergraduate or PhD students to nuclear forensic analysis through hands-on experience with nondestructive analytical techniques. The exercise trains students to characterize unknown radioactive samples using gamma spectrometry, digital radiography, alpha-track detection, and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Through this multitechnique approach, students learn to identify contamination sources by analyzing isotopic ratios (241Am/137Cs) and morphological features of radioactive particles. In addition, when working with anthropogenic samples, students gain experience in the localization and characterization of “hot” particles. The module combines a structured lecture on nuclear forensic principles with a four week investigative laboratory project. Students work in teams to analyze simulated environmental samples potentially contaminated from various anthropogenic sources (nuclear accidents, weapons testing, or industrial activities). The progression from basic radiation measurements to advanced particle characterization reinforces fundamental concepts in radiochemistry while enabling the development of critical analytical skills. Assessment data demonstrate that the activity improves students’ understanding of nuclear forensic methodologies and their ability to correlate analytical data with contamination scenarios. The laboratory design emphasizes safety considerations for handling radioactive materials and teaches proper data interpretation through guided inquiry. This module provides a template for incorporating applied radiochemistry into undergraduate curricula while addressing the growing workforce needs in nuclear security and environmental monitoring.