Hello, I'm
Danny Schantz
Nuclear Engineering Student & Machine Learning Researcher
Graduate student at the University of Florida, developing Physics-Informed Neural Networks to solve complex plasma physics problems.
About Me
Bridging the gap between theoretical physics and computational solutions
Nuclear Engineering
University of Florida
I'm a Nuclear Engineering graduate student at the University of Florida with a background in Chemical Engineering. My research focuses on developing innovative computational methods to solve complex problems in plasma physics.
Currently, I work as a Research Assistant in the Plasma and Fusion Group, where I develop Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) to solve the relativistic Fokker-Planck equation. I leverage UF's HiPerGator HPC resources for large-scale model training.
My work combines plasma physics with machine learning to model runaway electron dynamics — including Dreicer generation and primary formation rates — inside a unified PINN framework.
Plasma Physics
Researching runaway electron dynamics and Fokker-Planck equations
Machine Learning
Developing Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) for scientific computing
Software Development
Building deep learning workflows with Python, PyTorch, and HPC systems
Research
Modeling runaway electron dynamics and formation rates in fusion plasmas
Experience & Education
My academic and professional journey in nuclear engineering and computational research
Work Experience
Graduate Research Assistant
Aug 2025 – PresentPlasma and Fusion Group, University of Florida
- Developing Physics-Informed Neural Networks to solve plasma physics partial differential equations using UF HiPerGator HPC resources
- Designing deep learning workflows in Python and PyTorch to model plasma dynamics in tokamak fusion devices
- Focus on relativistic electron formation and electron distribution evolution
Student Assistant – Reactor Operations
Sep 2025 – PresentUniversity of Florida Training Reactor (UFTR)
- Completing NRC-certified training curriculum in preparation for Reactor Operator licensure
- Acquiring knowledge of reactor systems including radiation detection, thermal-hydraulics, instrumentation and controls
- Assisting with daily reactor operations as a qualified second person and performing instrumentation maintenance
Materials Science R&D Intern
Jan 2024 – Aug 2025Mackinac Technology Company
- Led experimental design and process optimization for a DOE-funded Liquid Silicone Rubber window project
- Eliminated 99.6% of bubble formation while increasing surface uniformity by 92%
- Conducted literature reviews and contributed to SBIR grant writing efforts for ongoing research funding
Education
Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering Sciences
Aug 2025 – May 2027University of Florida
- Thesis Track with 4.0 GPA
- Research on runaway electron generation in spherical tokamak plasmas under Dr. McDevitt
- Focus on Physics-Informed Neural Networks for fusion applications
Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Chemical Engineering)
Aug 2021 – May 2025Calvin University
- GPA: 3.47
- Strong foundation in process design, thermodynamics, and transport phenomena
- Coursework in unit operations, reaction engineering, and experimental laboratory methods
- Served as a student supervisor, mentoring peers and building leadership experience
Featured Projects
A selection of my research projects and personal work in computational physics and software development
Physics-Informed Neural Networks for Plasma Physics
Developing PINNs to solve the relativistic Fokker-Planck equation for runaway electron dynamics in fusion plasmas, including Dreicer generation and primary formation-rate modeling. Training at scale on UF HiPerGator with PyTorch.
Other Notable Projects
Skills & Technologies
A comprehensive toolkit spanning scientific computing, machine learning, and software development
Programming Languages
Machine Learning & AI
Scientific Computing
Domain Expertise
Tools & Technologies
Soft Skills
Get In Touch
I'm always open to discussing research opportunities, collaborations, or just having a conversation about physics and machine learning.
Send a Message
Or email me directly at dannyschantz1@icloud.com