Thesis (M.S., Civil Engineering)--University of Idaho, June 2014 | In the last two decades, nano scale chemistry and physics have delivered a profusion of extraordinary results not achievable by conventional means. In the same time frame, the early promise of nuclear science has weathered numerous setbacks, many of which were the result of reliance on conventional materials and methods subjected to extraordinary circumstances. Curiously, these two extremely sophisticated fields of technical endeavor have not been broadly examined in conjunction despite the well documented needs of nuclear science for better methods and materials. Leaving the question, how could an effort to explore the intersection of nanotechnology and nuclear challenges be structured and managed?