Mehdi Sarram
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Mehdi Sarram, born in Kerman, Iran, works in the global nuclear energy industry, particularly recognized for his contributions to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Immigrating to the United States at the age of 18, Sarram became deeply ingrained in the American nuclear community. His legacy spans from Iran to the United States and other countries, significantly impacting the nuclear field.[1]
Sarram pursued his education in nuclear engineering at the University of Michigan, receiving his postgraduate degree in 1967. As an undergraduate, he joined the American Nuclear Society (ANS) in 1963. While studying, he gained practical experience, serving as a reactor operator and shift supervisor at the university's 2-MW Ford Nuclear Reactor. Upon completing his degree, Sarram returned to Iran, becoming the country's first nuclear engineer with a reactor license.[1]
Role in Iran's nuclear program
Upon his return to Iran, Sarram played a critical role in kickstarting the country's nuclear initiatives. He served as an assistant professor at the University of Tehran, teaching nuclear engineering and supervising the Tehran University Nuclear Center's (TUNC) 5-MW research reactor, which achieved initial criticality under his guidance on November 11, 1967.[1]
In the early 1970s, as the Shah of Iran looked to diversify the country's energy sources, Sarram took on more influential roles within Iran's atomic energy efforts. By 1974, he was appointed to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, holding multiple directorial positions and reporting directly to high-level government officials. In 1977, Sarram chaired and organized the First International Conference on Nuclear Technology held in Persepolis, Iran.[citation needed]
However, the Iranian Revolution dramatically altered the course of Iran's nuclear ambitions. Projects initiated with Western collaboration, including two new 1,200-MWe nuclear reactors purchased from Germany, were halted. Amidst the changing socio-political environment, especially policies requiring his young daughter to adhere to strict religious dress codes, Sarram decided to leave Iran.[2]