Titans Of Nuclear | Interviewing The World Experts On Nuclear Energy

In this episode, we discuss... How Seth Moulton’s background in physics and the Marines led to a political career Role of science in Congress and decision making Ways Congress encourages innovation to fund technical solutions Effect of automation on the American workforce and why an education revolution is the key to success How the green technology revolution affects energy, climate and national security Role of long term budgeting in energy development and planning for a carbon-free country Making climate change personal in Seth's pursuit of the Presidency 

In this episode, we discuss... Bill Foster’s background as an entrepreneur and physicist An unintentional discovery Foster made while searching for proton decay Role of the FERMI National Accelerator Lab in the particle physics world How two generations of Fosters used their scientific expertise in public service roles Resources available to Congress for technical evaluation of specialty topics Why economics is the most important factor in decarbonization and fighting climate change Public perception of nuclear technology and how it affects levels of social acceptance Potential for accelerator-driven nuclear energy systems How Bill Foster strategizes energy policy reform as an Illinois Congressman 

In this episode, we discuss... How Juan EibenSchutz Hartman’s engineering background led to a career in nuclear Why Mexico considered adding nuclear power to its energy mix and how it was achieved Mexico’s development of a decision analysis program through the Stanford Research Institute How public perception of nuclear technology became rooted in mistrust and what the nuclear community is doing to change it Why small modular reactors (SMRs) may transform the industry away from a tendency of non-uniformity A comparison of nuclear waste and other industrial waste in terms of perception and regulation Juan EibenSchutz Hartman’s responsibilities as Director General of Mexico's National Nuclear Safety and Safeguards Commission

In this episode, we discuss... Bob Ichord’s entrance into international energy research How the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) brings rural electrification to Southeast Asia How Chernobyl affected global safety and policy for nuclear reactors The future of US nuclear power export and import markets Nuclear’s role in urbanization and growth in developing countries Results of the Atlantic Council Task Force Report on U.S. Nuclear Leadership Importance of innovation and commercialization of small modular reactors (SMRs)

In this episode, we discuss... Jeff Navin’s high school dream of becoming a politician Changes in the energy policymaking atmosphere during the Obama Administration How politicization of climate change made the carbon emissions problem worse Strategically using advanced reactors to start climate conversations and get policymakers on board How setting a 100% clean energy goal will promote competition in technological advances Challenges faced by advanced reactors in the research and development field Why politicians seek out Jeff Navin and Boundary Stone Partners to help differentiate themselves on climate change

In this episode, we discuss... How Bob Walker’s career in the Canadian Department of National Defence led to his role as a nuclear energy leader Role of the National Research Universal Reactor (NRU) in radioactive medical isotope production for the global healthcare market Current status of CANada Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) reactor refurbishment around Canada Why Canada pursued CANDU and pressurized heavy water reactor design Canada’s development of an intricate logistics, transportation, and distribution plan for medical isotopes Options for used fuel storage and how the community is involved in the decision Applications of small modular reactors (SMR’s) in Canada and across the globe Bob Walker’s path to becoming the Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

In this episode, we discuss... How Margie’s upbringing influenced her career How nuclear export licensing works and why it’s important to the safe handling and security of nuclear materials Why it was important for Margie to consider transboundary effects of Fukushima when negotiating to affirm the IAEA’s post-Fukushima frameworks How the Supreme Court’s post-Fukushima ruling against the NRC’s Waste Confidence policy caused an abrupt halt in plans for domestic and international nuclear power plant construction How Margie’s 3-step risk assessment process helped propel her to the top of the NRC How training staff on new and different technologies, such as SMRs, will help propel NRC regulations forward

In this episode, we discuss... How a high school project on propulsion led to Marc Nichol’s career in nuclear energy Responsibilities and considerations for managing spent fuel on-site and off-site A comparison of costs and markets for small modular reactors (SMR’s) and micro-reactors How Alaska is preparing for deployment of groundbreaking micro-reactor technology Future capabilities of the nuclear industry to provide energy for electricity, heating, and transportation How Marc Nichol connects with communities, industries, and governments as Director of New Reactor Deployment at the Nuclear Energy Institute

In this episode, we discuss... How Akira Tokuhiro’s interest in race car design inspired him to study nuclear engineering Research for the Japanese sodium cooled fast reactor How nuclear energy safety culture and public risk perception compares to other industries Responsibilities of being a director and licensed operator of a university experimental reactor Safety challenges of graphite-moderated nuclear reactors How the nuclear industry united to address the accident at Fukushima Benefits of NuScale Power’s small modular reactors (SMR’s) Akira’s development of a new Bachelor of Technology in Sustainable Energy Systems at Ontario Tech University

In this episode, we discuss... Jackie’s collegiate upbringing in North Carolina pursuing International Relations Jackie’s transition into nuclear energy studies in graduate school and her Graduate Thesis on “Nuclear Disinheritance” How Jackie gained experience in nuclear at the Stimson Center  The development of the Organizational Governance Template for Nuclear Security Jackie’s work at Third Way in the Clean Energy Program The newly enacted Nuclear Energy Leadership Act (NELA)

In this episode, we discuss... How Evan Sengbusch’s background in physics led him to his current role as President of Phoenix Production of lower energy, higher current deuteron accelerators as neutron sources The roles preserving research reactors and producing a domestic supply of Molybdenum 99 play in the nation’s medical industry New capabilities of thermal neutron imaging and fast neutron imaging The development of neutrons as an inspection tool for complex, high density materials and components How Phoenix’s partnership with SHINE could change medical radioisotope production in the US

In this episode, we discuss... The role of the Atomic Energy Corporation in South Africa’s nuclear development System challenges of dramatically scaling nuclear technology Innovative nuclear solutions to service the vast population differences in South Africa Germany’s role in educating and supporting South Africa’s pebble-bed nuclear reactor Groundbreaking postgraduate nuclear programs Mulder founded at North-West University X Energy’s mission to commercially establish pebble-bed reactor technology and spread it throughout the world Challenges of obtaining clientele and licensing for new nuclear technology Evolution of the pebble-bed nuclear reactor and the energy potential it can bring to the U.S. electrical grid

In this episode, we discuss... How Three Mile Island and the oil embargo influenced Shane to pursue nuclear engineering How Shane helped support university test reactors through his role at the Office of Nuclear Energy How tritium influenced the history behind the Office of New Production Reactors national security program Creating a roadmap for Generation IV reactor development and deployment How contracting to end users can help mobilize new nuclear The driving issues behind construction and deployment of new nuclear technologies How the Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) program united research and design efforts

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In this episode, we discuss... How nuclear engineering and health physics are connected in education and industry Insight into radiation protection design and emergency planning How Susan Landahl broke down gender barriers in nuclear power plant operation Models, such as the linear no-threshold theory, which are used to analyze radiation dosage and related health effects The role of virtual reality in nuclear power plant training and operation Improving all aspects of the nuclear industry through a culture of innovation Nuclear power’s place in the U.S. electrical grid

In this episode, we discuss... Kathleen Barron's background in nuclear and how she came to be Senior Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs at Exelon How the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) restructured the electricity industry to become more competitive Assessing legal sustainability of changes to energy infrastructure How FERC manages concerns related to market rates and environmental impacts Regional impacts on the electrical grid energy balance and how clean energy is integrated Decarbonization implications of producing the energy source versus energy extraction Legal challenges of saving existing nuclear reactors from decommissioning State influence on nuclear energy generation and financial implications of their decisions

In this episode, we discuss... Fewell’s law background that led him towards the energy industry Fewell’s first position with the NRC, and the responsibilities, experiences and relationships he accumulated while there Fewell’s transition into the private sector working for Exelon Generation Fewell’s cases with Exelon revolving around Security, Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Generation Nation – Exelon’s local nuclear advocacy program for its employees and their communities Fewell’s marketing strategy to combat irrational stigma on nuclear energy

In this episode, we discuss... Mara Levy's personal journey through the nuclear industry and her day-to-day at Exelon The impact of hands-on education for nuclear engineering students What the new fuel receipt process looks like in preparation for a nuclear refueling outage Roles and responsibilities of an on-site reactor engineer Why power descents at nuclear plants are needed and how they are coordinated Stakeholders involved in power maneuver planning Outreach efforts of North American Young Generation in Nuclear Public education efforts of Generation Nation

In this episode, we discuss... How Michael Gallagher entered the power generation industry The different management roles at a nuclear power plant The differences between boiling water reactors and pressurized water reactors Methods for controlling radiation and shaping power in a boiling water reactor The effects of fuel design and core efficiency on nuclear fuel consumption Requirements for a nuclear power plant renewal license application Federal limitations on the life cycle of a nuclear power plant Global impacts of affordable and reliable energy sources

In this episode we discuss... Marilyn Kray's personal journey through the nuclear industry How different engineering disciplines collaborate to make a nuclear plant operate The role of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in the design and construction of nuclear power plants How the culture between utilities and regulators in the nuclear industry has evolved over time What it takes to prepare and execute a nuclear plant refueling outage plan Licensing options for existing and newly designed nuclear plants during design, construction, and operation How traditional utilities and investors are getting involved with new nuclear technology Education efforts supported and funded by the American Nuclear Society