Keenan Kresl-Hotz

Research Assistant
Research Topic: Exascale simulations of thermal-hydraulic phenomena in advanced reactors
Graduate Student working toward M.S.

Education

• B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Wyoming, 2024
• Graduate student working toward M.S. Nuclear Engineering, University of New Mexico

Originally from Wyoming, Keenan Kresl-Hotz holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wyoming and is currently pursuing a degree in Nuclear Engineering at the University of New Mexico. As a research assistant under Dr. Mohamed El-Genk at the Institute for Space and Nuclear Power Studies, Keenan's thesis focuses on exascale simulations of thermal-hydraulic phenomena in advanced reactors, validated through high-resolution experimental data.

Keenan has expertise in mechanical design, utilizing a variety of manufacturing methods, including additive manufacturing, in design projects. His technical experience includes conducting thermal stress analyses related to reactor core thermal-hydraulic simulations and performing complex calculations on high-performance computing clusters. He is proficient in designing and analyzing pressure vessels and reactor components, creating prototypes, and ensuring compliance with industry standards for reactor experiments and component assembly. Keenan has also contributed to reactor core design, fuel rod inspections, and the development of experimental setups for advanced reactor technologies. Additionally, Keenan is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the American Nuclear Society (ANS), and Tau Beta Pi.

Contact

keenankh02@unm.edu

List of Publications

• Kresl-Hotz, K.R., El-Genk, M.S., Schriener, T.M., Numerical Mesh Refinement for Flow Mixing in Pool Type SFR. Proceedings ANS Student Conference 2025, 2025.
• Kresl-Hotz, K.R., El-Genk, M.S., Schriener, T.M., CFD Analyses of the Flow Mixing and Stratification in Pool Type SFR. Proceedings ANS Student Conference 2025, 2025.