Jessika Rojas

Associate Professor

Contact information

Education

Ph.D., Nuclear Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, 2014
M.S., Nuclear Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, 2011
M.S., Materials Engineering, National University of Colombia, 2009
B.S., Engineering Physics, National University of Colombia, 2006

Professional experience

Jessika Rojas received her bachelor’s in engineering physics and master’s in materials engineering and processes from the National University of Colombia in 2006 and 2009, respectively. Rojas continued her academic journey at Missouri S&T and graduated in 2014 with a master’s and doctorate in nuclear engineering. In 2014, Rojas joined the mechanical and nuclear engineering department at VCU as an assistant professor and was later promoted to associate professor. Rojas held an affiliate appointment with the medical physics program at VCU and supported the program through lectures, seminars and graduate advising. Rojas joined the Alan Levin Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering as an associate professor in January 2026.

Research

Rojas’ research interests include nuclear materials, nanotechnology, advanced materials characterization techniques and imaging and spectroscopy systems. Rojas has been heavily involved in radiation-assisted chemistry, radiation processing, radiation dosimetry and radioisotope applications in nuclear science. More specifically, Rojas has been actively working on radiation-induced synthesis of nanomaterials, modification of nanomaterials' properties through irradiation, nanocomposites for radiation enhancement and shielding and radioactive nanoparticles for targeted radiation therapy. Rojas’ research has focused on the thermal, chemical and mechanical properties of accident-tolerant fuel cladding materials and the evolution of their surface characteristics under temperature excursions. She has been actively involved in radioisotope handling and holds a qualification as a radiological worker I and II from several DOE national laboratories.

Academic highlights

Rojas has numerous publications that advance the fields of radiation chemistry, radiation processing and nuclear materials. Her work has been supported by various federal agencies, including the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation. Rojas is a lifetime member of the Minerals, Metals, and Materials Society and received the 2021 Frontiers of Materials Award; she was the keynote speaker and organized the “Radiation Processing of Materials” symposium. Rojas is also a lifetime member of the American Nuclear Society (ANS) and has served on the board of directors. Rojas served as an officer in the VA-ANS section, acting as vice-chair and chair.