diff --git a/spspy/SPSPlot.py b/spspy/SPSPlot.py
index 6efb5cf..c1c2a0c 100644
--- a/spspy/SPSPlot.py
+++ b/spspy/SPSPlot.py
@@ -45,6 +45,8 @@ class SPSPlot:
     def update_reactions(self) -> None:
         for datum in self.data.values():
             datum.rxn.update_parameters(self.beamEnergy, self.spsAngle, self.magneticField)
+            if datum.rxn.targetMaterial.name in self.targets:
+                datum.rxn.targetMaterial = self.targets[datum.rxn.targetMaterial.name]
             for ex in datum.excitations:
                 ex.kineticEnergy = datum.rxn.calculate_ejectile_KE(ex.excitation)
                 ex.rho = datum.rxn.convert_ejectile_KE_2_rho(ex.kineticEnergy)
diff --git a/spspy/SPSPlotUI.py b/spspy/SPSPlotUI.py
index 64fa883..59f5c99 100644
--- a/spspy/SPSPlotUI.py
+++ b/spspy/SPSPlotUI.py
@@ -182,6 +182,7 @@ class SPSPlotGUI(QMainWindow):
         targDia.new_target.connect(self.sps.add_target)
         if targDia.exec():
             self.update_target_table()
+            self.sps.update_reactions()
             self.update_plot() #in case a reaction is using the target
 
     def handle_run(self) -> None: