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Conference Spotlight
2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
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The human factor in licensing and operating the next generation of nuclear plants
As human factors specialists working at the intersection of human performance and nuclear operations, we are witnessing one of the nuclear sector’s most significant transitions in decades. The emergence of small modular reactors, microreactors, and other advanced designs is reshaping the industry’s landscape. Digital instrumentation and controls, passive safety systems, and increased automation are creating opportunities for greater safety margins and more flexible operation. These same features also fundamentally redefine what it means to “operate” a nuclear plant. Interactions among human roles, automation, and passive systems shape how people maintain awareness, exercise judgment, and intervene when necessary. These developments affect both operational realities and the regulatory foundations on which nuclear safety is built.
Technical Session|Architectures, Missions, and Use Cases
Wednesday, April 29, 2026|1:00–2:00PM EDT|Room 306
Session Chair:
Ernestina Wozniak
Alternate Chair:
Danielle Allen
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Point Design for a Nuclear Electric Propulsion Flagship Mission to Uranus
1:00–1:06PM EDT
Matthew Duchek (AMA), Sean Greenhalge (AMA), Adam Boylston (Analytical Mechanics Assoc.), Emanuel Grella (Analytical Mechanics Assoc.), Christopher Harnack (Analytical Mechanics Assoc.), William Machemer (Analytical Mechanics Assoc.), Annabella Shaffer (Analytical Mechanics Assoc.), Corey Smith (Analytical Mechanics Assoc.)
Paper
Reactor Decision Assessment Platform (ReDAP)
1:06–1:12PM EDT
Stephanie Keve (Noblis, Inc.), Ben Miller (Noblis, Inc.), Ivan Limansky (Noblis, Inc.), Dave Bilinski (Noblis, Inc.), Adam Turbett (Noblis, Inc.), Keri Robinson (Noblis, Inc.), Michael Kim (Noblis, Inc.), Theresa Perry (Noblis, Inc.), Clark Bee (Noblis, Inc.)
The Radsetta Stone – Establishing a Common Environment Taxonomy Across Space Nuclear Technologies
1:12–1:18PM EDT
Tyler R. Steiner (NASA Glenn Research Center), Jarvis A. Caffrey (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center), N. Dianne Bull Ezell (ORNL)
Maneuvering Without Regret: The Effective Specific Impulse of the Hybrid Propulsion Engine and Reactor Impulse for Orbital Navigation
1:18–1:24PM EDT
Logan R. Horner (Center for Space Nuclear Research), Devin Boggs (Center for Space Nuclear Research), John Stanek (Center for Space Nuclear Research), Abigail Hogue (Center for Space Nuclear Research), Daniel Gadaleta (Center for Space Nuclear Research), Robert C. O'Brien (Center for Space Nuclear Research)
Success in the Lunar and Mars Frontiers Enabled by Radioisotope Power Systems
1:24–1:30PM EDT
A.C. Charania (Zeno Power)