[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/palka_joe.jpg” caption=”Joe Palka, a fourth-year honours physical science student, is a neutron activation technician at the McMaster Nuclear Reactor. Photos by Christine MacLean.”]Joe Palka, a fourth-year honours physical science student, is learning the ropes of nuclear research through his position as a neutron activation technician at the McMaster Nuclear Reactor.

Palka's day begins when he enters the nuclear reactor building through air lock doors. Every entry must be authorized and is announced with a series of beeps.

He reports to the control room and then proceeds to his main work station located in the lower level of the nuclear reactor, where he is in charge of activating small samples using neutrons from the reactor. The primary goal is to discover whether or not the samples test positive for uranium.

“I use a 'rabbit' system to pneumatically transfer samples into the reactor to activate them and then measure their delayed neutron count to test for uranium,” explains Palka. “The process itself may seem simple, but the science behind the work is what piques my interest. It's amazing what materials can be identified by using neutron activation, not only can the material of an object be identified, but this information can be used to investigate the object's background.”

Palka's job has opened his eyes to the complexity surrounding scientific research, allowing him to develop his skills and learn about what is involved in a research position of this type. He applied for a position with the nuclear reactor to expand his work and educational experience.

“One of my interests is nuclear research, and I want to get some valuable hands-on experience, beyond my previous experience in engineering, before I am finished school,” Palka explains. “I am hoping this opportunity will aid me in pursuing a career in geophysical research or aerospace engineering.”

This is the busy season for the nuclear reactor, with outside companies sending in samples to be tested.

“The samples that I am testing are from geochemical prospecting firms, and analyses are in high demand right now,” says Palka.

Other samples that are being analyzed include tissues that support medical research in respirology as well as sediments and tooth samples for ESR dating.

“It shows that the nuclear research is a growing field, and being able to get my foot in the door will help me with my future endeavors,” he says.

Palka is looking forward to what the rest of the summer has in store for him.

“The experience is great,” he says. “I am learning a lot about nuclear science and the people here are friendly and helpful. It's an amazing opportunity and valuable learning experience.”

The student job profile is a three-part series about students working on campus. The last installment will appear on the Daily News next week.