MISSOULA, Mont. — Jakob Nielsen, a senior studying mechanical engineering at Montana Technological University, has received two prestigious research fellowships. He has been awarded the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship for 2026 and the Richard and Peggy Notebaert Premier Fellowship from the University of Notre Dame.
The NSF fellowship provides three years of financial support, with an annual stipend of $37,000. Meanwhile, the Notre Dame fellowship, aimed at the top 1% of incoming doctoral students, offers between $46,000 and $48,000 per year for up to five years.
University officials commend Nielsen for his remarkable commitment to academics and research, noting his considerable experience at the Montana Tech Nanotechnology Laboratory and participation in a selective program at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Looking ahead, Nielsen aims to pursue a Ph.D. in nuclear science, focusing on the development of more sustainable nuclear energy systems.
Dr. Marisa Pedulla, chair of the National Student Awards Committee at Montana Tech, praised Nielsen’s dedication: “Jakob has been exceptionally dedicated to both academics and research at Montana Tech. His achievements highlight his commitment to seeking competitive external funding.”
Dr. Richard LaDouceur, head of the Mechanical Engineering Department, expressed pride in Nielsen’s accomplishments. He remarked on Nielsen’s diverse studies and adaptability, which he believes will serve him well as he enters the nuclear field.
The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship aims to strengthen the scientific and engineering workforce in the U.S. Through this fellowship, recipients are encouraged to pursue innovative research.
Nielsen expressed his gratitude for the awards: “These opportunities will open many doors for me as I advance in my studies and career.”
His academic journey began as a sophomore at Butte High. During the pandemic, feeling academically unchallenged, he reached out to Dr. Jack Skinner, then the founding director of the Montana Tech Nanotechnology Laboratory, seeking research opportunities. Though he couldn’t join at first due to pandemic restrictions, he persisted, eventually starting research in the lab in his junior year of high school.
Dr. Skinner reflected on Nielsen’s growth: “It has been rewarding to see Jakob develop his critical thinking and problem-solving skills.”
By the time Nielsen enrolled at Montana Tech, he was already contributing to research projects in the Nanotechnology Laboratory, working on bioengineering and critical mineral recovery. He also participated in a competitive Nuclear Chemistry Summer School at Brookhaven National Laboratory in summer 2025, which helped clarify his career goals.
“Those experiences opened my eyes to what I wanted to pursue in my field,” Nielsen said, noting the valuable connections he made, including with his future doctoral advisor, Associate Professor Amy Hixon at Notre Dame.
Nielsen also interned for a year with NorthWestern Energy, gaining insight into the challenges of the nation’s power grid and deepening his interest in nuclear energy as a solution to rising energy demands.
He stressed the importance of nuclear energy in meeting future needs: “As AI advances and energy demands grow, we need reliable solutions like nuclear energy.”
His proposed Ph.D. research will focus on making nuclear energy systems more sustainable, including recycling fuel and reducing waste.
Nielsen credits Montana Tech’s hands-on approach and supportive faculty for his success. “At larger universities, you might not have the chance to start research early or develop close relationships,” he said.
In addition to his fellowships, Nielsen is one of the 2026 valedictorians and received the Chester H. Steele Award for the top graduating engineering senior. He is also honored with the Gold Medal Award from the Montana Society of Engineers.
After completing his Ph.D., Nielsen is considering various career paths, including working at a national laboratory, becoming a professor, or starting a company in the nuclear sector.
He expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from his family, who motivated him during tough times. “They always reminded me that hard work pays off,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey, Nielsen advises fellow students to be proactive and seek out opportunities. “A little focused effort can take you a long way,” he added. “Don’t hesitate to put yourself out there.”
