MSU Cryogenic Initiative

An innovative collaboration that prepares students for an in-demand career in cryogenic engineering

The Michigan State University (MSU) Cryogenic Initiative is a collaboration between FRIB and the MSU College of Engineering. By combining classroom education with hands-on training on cutting-edge cryogenics, accelerator, and superconducting radio frequency sciences and technology at FRIB, students prepare for opportunities in cryogenic engineering and related fields, e.g., gas purification and liquefaction, aerospace, and quantum computing. 

Helium is the only refrigerant capable of reaching the extremely low temperatures required to cool the superconducting devices used at FRIB. The FRIB cryoplant supplies helium that is cooled to temperatures of 2–4 kelvin (K)—about -271 degrees Celsius, or -456 degrees Fahrenheit—to the accelerator’s superconducting resonators and magnets. In their superconducting state, these devices have virtually no electrical resistance, allowing them to accelerate, steer, and focus the beam of heavy ions.

Cryogenic engineers are responsible for the design of these low-temperature refrigeration systems and associated subsystems. 

Having FRIB situated within MSU’s campus provides an ideal environment to educate and train the next generation of cryogenic engineers and system innovators. The MSU Cryogenic Initiative gives students an opportunity to conduct cryogenic research using the latest technology.

Advanced lab facilities, expert faculty leaders, and FRIB’s position as a user facility for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science make the MSU Cryogenic Initiative attractive to researchers around the world. Scientists from industry, government laboratories, and other universities work together at FRIB to investigate, propose, and foster efficient cryogenic process designs. And world-leading scientists collaborate on research to advance cryogenic technologies and sustain a knowledge base of cryogenic technology and skills.

Study cryogenic engineering at FRIB

The MSU Cryogenic Initiative offers abundant opportunities to learn and train at FRIB. Work alongside global leaders in cryogenic research and publish your findings in technical journals while preparing for an exciting career.

Student opportunities

Train with leading faculty, academic staff, and industry experts and get hands-on training on FRIB’s state-of-the-art systems. FRIB’s 4.5 K and 2 K helium refrigeration systems support the superconducting accelerator, enabling world-class physics research to study the fundamental structure of matter. Several helium refrigeration systems support laboratory test facilities, including those dedicated to cryogenic engineering research and development.

Learn more about student opportunities in cryogenic engineering

Cryogenic engineering courses and research

Because the MSU Cryogenic Initiative is a collaborative effort between FRIB and the MSU College of Engineering, a combination of rigorous course work, fundamental and applied research, and training is available to students. Participate in and lead innovative research to prepare for an exciting career.

View more course work, training, and research opportunities

Learn from cryogenic engineering experts

FRIB’s faculty leaders ensure that the MSU Cryogenic Initiative remains best in class, with cutting-edge technologies and instruments. They bring extensive knowledge and decades of engineering experience to the MSU Cryogenic Initiative, offering training to students in the classroom and support to users in the laboratory.

Read more about our cryogenic leaders

FRIB in the news

The MSU Cryogenic Initiative at FRIB is making headlines! A recent article in Cold Facts describes its capabilities and goals.

Read the article in Cold Facts (page 19)

Cryogenic engineering job opportunities

The knowledge and skills developed at MSU, and the experience gained at FRIB, equip students for a variety of cryogenic engineering jobs. This includes engineers, technicians, and operators. Graduate researchers are trained on FRIB cryogenic systems, which involve many varied and complex subsystems:

  • Oil-flooded rotary screw compressors and oil removal systems
  • Gas storage and purification
  • Subatmospheric cold boxes housing cryogenic centrifugal compressors
  • Cryogenic distribution systems
  • Distributed control and automation
  • Conventional utilities supporting cryogenic systems, including cooling water, power, and instrument air

Having FRIB at MSU offers a unique opportunity to educate and train the next generation of cryogenic system innovators to prepare for cryogenic engineering jobs and careers in a variety of fields and industries.

Hear from student researchers in the MSU Cryogenic Initiative

“During my undergraduate studies, I was interested in aeronautics/aerospace and found myself looking for opportunities to further my education in a manner that could translate to a position in those fields. My interests made the MSU Cryogenic Initiative very desirable, as I could use the knowledge learned from the cryogenic and turbomachinery departments to achieve my career goals.

My current research involves the development of a compressor impeller design and performance prediction code. The goal of this research is to create a robust code that can be utilized in the design of compressors found in subatmosphere cryogenic helium systems.

The MSU Cryogenic Initiative involves working at a world-class facility that employs many leaders in physics and engineering. I believe the knowledge and experience that I’ve gained during my time in the MSU Cryogenic Initiative will be very beneficial in the pursuit of my future career.”

Jonathon Howard
FRIB Cryogenics Process Engineer


Read more student testimonials

How do I get started in cryogenic engineering at FRIB? 

Students interested in conducting research in cryogenic engineering should first be accepted into MSU’s College of Engineering.