Joel Hughes

Joel Hughes is a Principal Engineer specializing in Power Generation Systems at Kairos Power, with extensive experience in thermal and salt systems design. Since joining Kairos Power in May 2017, Joel has held various roles, including Lead Engineer and Sr. Engineer, contributing to the company's mission of providing clean and affordable energy through advanced nuclear reactor technologies. Prior to this, Joel pursued a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering at The University of New Mexico, where involvement included roles as a Research Assistant and a Department of Energy Integrated University Program Graduate Fellow. Additional experience includes a 10-week internship at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, focusing on heat transfer coefficient uncertainty in industrial testing environments. Joel holds a double major in Nuclear Engineering and Russian from The University of New Mexico and began studies at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.