YSU students selected for post-graduate Navy nuclear officer program

Student Spotlight

Two Youngstown State University students are taking the next step toward serving as naval officers after being selected for the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate Program, one of the U.S. Navy’s most competitive academic officer pipelines.

Zane Perrico, a mathematics and physics double major, and Karsten Grenzig, a chemical engineering major, will enter the NUPOC program following their graduation from YSU this May. Both students have chosen the submarine officer track, a role that requires intensive technical training and leadership development.

The NUPOC program recruits high-achieving students in STEM fields to become commissioned officers in the Navy’s nuclear fleet. Candidates undergo an extensive selection process that includes academic screenings, technical interviews, background checks and a final interview with a four-star admiral.

“It’s probably one of the most rigorous interview processes I’ve ever been through,” Perrico said. “You’re essentially taking an oral exam in front of someone who knows a lot more than you, but once you get through it, you know you’ve earned it.”

Perrico emphasized that his coursework at YSU played a critical role in preparing him for the program’s demanding technical standards. As a physics major, he completed upper-level courses on topics like quantum mechanics and general relativity, experiences he credited with building his confidence heading into Navy interviews.

“The classes were intentionally difficult, but the faculty were always there to support me,” Perrico said. “That balance really mirrors what I expect the Navy training environment to be like.”

He credited Michael Crescimanno, professor of physics, astronomy, geology and environmental sciences, and Donald Priour, associate professor of physics, astronomy, geology and environmental sciences, for helping strengthen his technical foundation, as well as other campus mentors who guided him through the application process. Perrico was also deeply involved in campus life, serving as a Student Government Association senator for four years and holding executive leadership roles across multiple student organizations.

“YSU really helped me develop leadership skills,” Perrico said. “Learning how to manage people, stay organized and balance competing responsibilities is huge when you’re preparing to lead a crew of sailors.”

Grenzig echoed that sentiment, noting that YSU’s STEM-focused curriculum gave him the academic foundation needed for Navy nuclear training, which condenses an entire engineering education into an accelerated program.

“In nuclear power school, you’re relearning calculus, physics, thermodynamics and heat transfer at an incredibly fast pace,” Grenzig said. “Having already worked through those concepts at YSU gives me a lot of confidence going in.”

Grenzig was quick to give credit to faculty mentorship in the chemical engineering department.

“Our department is small, which means you really get to know your professors,” Grenzig said. “Every faculty member I had helped build the background I needed to be successful.”

Beyond academics, Grenzig said collaborative, project-based learning at YSU helped shape his leadership approach.

“You learn that before you can lead, you have to be a good teammate,” he said. “A lot of leadership comes down to communication, humility and hard work.”

Both students emphasized that representing YSU as they move into officer candidate school is something they take seriously, synonymous with the honor and responsibility that comes with entering the Navy.

“You’re representing yourself, your university and the Navy all at once,” Grenzig said. “I take that responsibility seriously, and I’m proud to say I’m coming from YSU.”

As they prepare for the challenges ahead, both Perrico and Grenzig encourage students who may be considering military or officer pathways to explore their options, ask questions and seek mentorship early.

“Do your research and talk to people,” Perrico said. “You’ll be surprised how many people around you have experience or insight that can help guide your decision.” In a similar vein, Grenzig emphasized reflection and long-term thinking.

“It’s a big commitment,” he said. “You really need to understand why you’re doing it and what you’re willing to sacrifice. If it aligns with your goals, it's an incredibly rewarding path.”