Kip Kleimenhagen

Kip Kleimenhagen is the recipient of the 2021 CS Larson Transfer Student Award. He is studying Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering, and anticipates graduating this year.

As a student at The Grainger College of Engineering, Kip is involved with the American Nuclear Society and the Kendo and Naginata chapter on campus.

He accepted an admission offer to study for his master’s degree in nuclear engineering at Illinois, and heplans to focus his studies on the field of advanced nuclear energy.

This award is removing financial pressure off Kip and allowing him to focus on getting the most out of his experience.

“This award will help ease the stress of student loans as I move into graduate school here at [the University of Illinois],” Kip said. “It will allow me to spend more time focusing on my studies and RSOs, instead of worrying about finding funding.”

He said it is also “extremely rewarding” to be recognized as a successful engineering transfer student.

“There aren't many of us, and it's great to know that people are looking out for us,” Kip said.

His long-term career goal for the future is to help the United States Nuclear Fleet transition to advanced, generation 4 reactors for a clean and stable energy future.