A new fusion remote control room on NC State’s campus has been inaugurated through an experiment at the DIII-D National Fusion Facility in San Diego. The Fusion Plasma Auxiliaries Characterization (FPAC) lab at NC State University successfully participated in this experiment from the remote facility, marking a significant step toward enabling greater student and institutional access to national and international fusion research facilities.

NC State Ph.D. student Aaliyah Zuniga led the experiment at DIII-D, focusing on testing additively manufactured tungsten samples under intense heat flux conditions typical of a fusion pilot plant environment. These tests were carried out using the DiMES platform, a key tool for studying material performance in fusion devices. Aaliyah was joined by her advisor, Florian Laggner, at the San Diego facility.

Meanwhile, back in Raleigh, members of the FPAC lab participated in real-time from NC State’s newly established remote control room, which was set up by postdoctoral researcher Kirtan Davda.

The remote control room enabled NC State students to observe and participate in the experiment live, fostering engagement, real-time learning, and direct interaction with the onsite DIII-D team. Kirtan provided explanations and context throughout the experimental session, giving students a rare opportunity to be part of research operations from the NC State campus. “Remote facilities that bring fusion experiments directly into the classroom represent the future of how we collaborate and train the next generation of fusion scientists,” said Kirtan.

This event marks an exciting advancement not only for Aaliyah and NC State’s contribution to fusion energy science, but also for the university’s growing infrastructure supporting national engagement and remote collaboration.