Brandon Chisholm

Brandon M. Chisholm, PhD, is a senior advanced nuclear research engineer at Southern Company, where he leads industry efforts to modernize nuclear regulatory frameworks to support the commercialization of advanced reactor technologies. He is also responsible for scouting and evaluating advanced nuclear technologies spanning both fission and fusion energy systems and providing subject matter expertise on molten salt reactors, hazard analysis, risk assessment, and advanced nuclear safety methodologies.

Chisholm has over a decade of experience developing risk-informed and performance-based safety cases and licensing bases for advanced reactor technologies. Throughout his career, he has supported and led multiple initiatives that have contributed directly to Nuclear Regulatory Commission guidance that is being utilized across commercial nuclear facility licensing applications. 

Recognized as a leading expert in molten salt reactor technology, Chisholm is also supporting development of the Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment (MCRE) safety basis, with the goal of advancing the deployment of liquid-fueled reactor technologies in the United States.

Prior to joining Southern Company, Chisholm gained experience via internships at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Duke Energy's Harris Nuclear Plant. He also served as an NRC-licensed reactor operator within the North Carolina State University Nuclear Reactor Program.

Chisholm earned a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering from North Carolina State University and both a Master of Science and PhD in Environmental Engineering from Vanderbilt University. His graduate research focused on methodologies for evaluating safety and risk in advanced reactors, work that continues to inform his efforts to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation nuclear technologies.

Chisholm lives in San Antonio, Texas and enjoys spending time playing games and watching sports with his wife, daughter, and mom. A native of Raleigh, North Carolina, he is passionate about “paying it forward” to future generations through science and engineering education. 

Chisholm joined the Dean's Advisory Council in 2026.