# Michael Ford French Environmental Fellow: 2017-2019 PhD Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University Current Position: Associate Laboratory Director for Engineering, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory ![michael_ford.jpg](/sites/g/files/omnuum10846/files/styles/hwp_4_5__320x400/public/huce/files/michael_ford.jpg?itok=erenkE5M) email *Michael Ford is an engineering and public policy scholar who examines the challenges and opportunities for nuclear energy in contributing to a low-carbon energy future.* Mike earned his PhD in engineering and public policy from Carnegie Mellon University in 2017. Prior to his doctoral studies, Mike completed a distinguished career in the United States Navy, where he served as commanding officer of a cruiser and a destroyer, and held sub-specialties in nuclear engineering, finance, and operations analysis. He is a past Fellow in the MIT Center for International Studies Seminar XXI program. In his research at CMU, Mike examined the potential for nuclear energy to play a role in decarbonizing the energy sector. He explored the history of advanced reactor research and development in the United States, the potential for broader nuclear development worldwide, and also studied issues surrounding novel nuclear deployment options such as floating nuclear power plants. As an Environmental Fellow, Mike worked with Dan Schrag, Sturgis Hooper Professor of Geology, Professor of Environmental Science and Engineering, and HUCE Director, on challenges and opportunities for nuclear energy. Mike examined the technological limitations, market constraints, and regulatory/policy structures that impact the potential of nuclear fission to play a significant role in a future low-carbon energy mix. ## Faculty Host [Daniel P. Schrag](/people/daniel-p-schrag), Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences; Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences - ## Alphabetical by Last Name [F-J](/alphabetical-last-name/f-j) - ## Fellows Status [Former](/fellows-status/former) - ## Research Areas [Business, Law & Policy](/research-areas/business-law-and-policy) - ## Role [Fellows](/role/fellows) - ## School [Harvard Kennedy School](/school/harvard-kennedy-school)