QCD and nuclear energy research

[swooshfactory]

Is QCD/modern university nuclear physics a worthwhile topic for someone aspiring to work with nuclear energy, reactor safety and the like? That person is me and I am interested in the answer as it pertains to a physics Ph.D. rather than a degree in nuclear engineering or something.

Thanks!

 

[Vanadium 50]

No. What you've described is nuclear engineering.

 

[bcrowell]

Depends on what you mean by "worthwhile." If "worthwhile" means "directly useful in my job," then IMO: nuclear physics possibly, QCD definitely not.

 

[swooshfactory]

i hear you guys...in short, I'm doing graduate school applications and listing potential research interests...trying to keep from putting my foot in my mouth