A Nuclear Core at Pitt
Tom Congedo, an adjunct professor and the associate director of the Stephen R. Tritch Nuclear Engineering Program at the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, joined Pitt a decade ago with a clear vision of the work he wanted to do.
With 45 years of experience in the nuclear industry, designing the materials for his classes was the easiest part of being a new professor.
"On my first day, I got my computer out and just started typing like hell," Congedo joked. "This was stuff that I knew."
Congedo joined Pitt after serving as Director of Technology Development at Westinghouse Research and Technology, where he led the Central R&T laboratories and managed a team of renowned experimenters, analytical developers, and state-of-the-art facilities. He taught classes at Carnegie Mellon University, but he always knew his career was destined to come full circle at Pitt—where it began.
"I can recall my very first day as a graduate student at the University in 1972," Congedo said. "I knew I'd always come back as a teacher."
Working with the program’s director, Professor Heng Ban, Congedo "keeps the trains running" in addition to teaching the popular Introduction to Nuclear Engineering and graduate Nuclear Operations and Safety courses. Every year, Congedo ensures classes for both the nuclear engineering program's undergraduate and graduate certificates and master's degree align with students’ graduation timelines.
“Tom manages the program's class offerings and works with industry experts to help teach some of them,” Ban said. “With Tom’s guidance, we’ve revamped our curriculum to align with nationally leading nuclear programs at other universities.”
Congedo takes pride in keeping the curriculum current, which is why as he nears retirement, he helped select his successors, Assistant Professor Tatsuya Sakurahara and Adjunct Assistant Professor Sola Talabi, who have demonstrated histories of pushing the field forward through cutting-edge technology and building industry relationships on an international scale.
Sakurahara received his PhD in nuclear, plasma, and radiological engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His research interests include probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) and uncertainty quantification, which not only expands Pitt’s research portfolio but also brings new courses to the program’s nuclear curriculum, enhancing the learning experience for our students.
Talabi has 24 years of experience in the field, including work at Westinghouse Electric Company where he managed risks on the first Westinghouse AP1000 nuclear plants in both China and the United States, and later at Pittsburgh Technical. His expertise lies in reactor engineering, safety and risk management.
"One of the best things about Pitt’s nuclear engineering program is our faculty," Congedo said. "Not only are they brilliant, but their hearts are in the right place. They desire nothing more than doing the same thing that I want to do: Educate the people to the point where the nuclear industry can do the best things for this world. I mean, it's as simple as that."
Congedo wants his students to feel the same way — even after he’s long retired from Pitt.
"I'm going to be happy when I see our students help places that were once almost unlivable, now prosper because of the nuclear power they helped generate."
Cindy Pezze, a longtime colleague and friend of Congedo as well as a Pitt alumna, said Congedo led with a passion for the industry.
“Tom worked tirelessly to enhance the program and the students' experience,” Pezze said. “This program would not be where it is today without Tom’s passion, hard work and collaboration with other key persons from within MEMS, the Swanson School and the industry. His legacy will continue with this program which is providing future engineers to the nuclear industry.”
Brian Gleeson, Department Chair of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, described Congedo as a “vigorous advocate” for nuclear power and the program.
“But beyond his advocacy is his impressive dedication to education,” Gleeson said. “He honestly cares for the students, ensuring they get the best education in nuclear engineering. His impact can’t be overstated.”
With his retirement on the horizon, Congedo is looking forward to enjoying more home-cooked meals shared with his wife, Carol, as well as traveling to Okinawa Island after studying martial arts for nearly 60 years. A longtime musician, he’ll spend even more time strumming his guitar.
However, he will always be available to Pitt students.
Just like the past ten years, he’s only a phone call away.
"As a teacher, touching souls is what we do," Congedo said. "That won’t end when I leave Pitt."