Cinnaminson High School Junior Is Building A Nuclear Fusor

Cinnaminson, NJ -- A Cinnaminson High School junior who spent a week in Singapore as part of the 2016 YYGS-Singapore Program is on the verge of a major breakthrough.

Steven Udotong is endeavoring to become the first African-American student to build a nuclear fusor.

“My objective is to build a nuclear reactor in my home that I can use to advocate clean energy use for my community and nation,” Udotong said as part of his fundraising effort on Generosity. “I have already made immense progress on this, but I hit a roadblock because I need a few more materials to completely finish my reactor.”

A nuclear fusor is a device that uses an electric field to prepare ions for nuclear fusion. They are used by academic institutions and hobbyists alike. Many are built for commercial use.

Udotong said nuclear energy shows great promise to drastically reduce our greenhouse emissions. He wants to be able to demonstrate the potential for use of the energy in society, and encourage investment in energy sustainability.

“We only have one Earth and I strongly believe it is important that we maintain it for all future generations as best as we can,” Udotong said.

The parts he still needs are:

• A vacuum gauge ($80);
• A radiation detector ($360);
• A turbo controller ($115); and
• Other miscellaneous items, including circuitry and professional tools ($195).

His goal is to raise $750. As of Thursday afternoon, he had raised $445.

See related: Cinnaminson High School Scholar’s Classroom Was In Singapore For A Week

He addresses the fact that “Providing Energy from Fusion” is one of the White House’s 14 grand challenges for America.

Over the last 150 years, carbon concentrations have increased 74 percent. Udotong says nuclear energy produces no carbon gas.

He also points out that 1.8 million people who might have otherwise died lived when in situations in which nuclear energy has replaced fossil fuels.

“Nuclear energy provides tremendous energy from a small number of reactants,” Udotong concluded.
Udotong is one of five boys from a first generation Nigerian-American with a single mother. His older brothers attend Harvard, MIT, and Princeton.

“I decided to take initiative to build my own nuclear reactor, showing this energy is not scary, and is more accessible than people believe,” Udotong said. “Hopefully, I can encourage others to continue taking steps towards taking more active political and economic positions to invest in energy sustainability.”

To contribute to the cause, visit generosity.com.

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