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Conference Spotlight
2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
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Nuclear Science and Engineering
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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|Technology Research and Development
Wednesday, April 29, 2026|1:00–2:00PM EDT|Room 305
Session Chair:
Timothy Wharton
Alternate Chair:
Garrett Pohl
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Space Nuclear Reactor Radiation Monitor Development
1:00–1:06PM EDT
Suzanne Nowicki (LANL), Steve Wender (LANL), Michelle Wiley (LANL), Kristina McKeown (LANL), Andrew Prince (LANL), Schuyler Tyler (LANL)
Paper
Ground Testing of Prototype Thermal-to Electric Conversion Devices Heated by Infrared Laser
1:06–1:12PM EDT
Boyd A. Tolson (Univ. Dayton), Steven F. Adams (Air Force Research Laboratory)
Modeling Cosmic Proton Activation Using MCNP and AARE
1:12–1:18PM EDT
Keenan Hoffman (LANL), Joshua Hooker (LANL)
Gamma-Ray Burst Observations from the Cadmium Zinc TElluride Radiation Imager (TERI)
1:18–1:24PM EDT
Michael Streicher (H3D, Inc.), Daniel Shy (Naval Research Laboratory), Jim Mason (H3D, Inc.), Feng Zhang (H3D, Inc.), Willy Kaye (H3D, Inc.), David Goodman (H3D, Inc.), Zhong He (H3D, Inc.), Alena Thomson (Naval Research Laboratory), Bernard Phlips (Nuclear Research Laboratory)
Modelling and Optimization of a Planar Parabolic Magnetic Nozzle for Z-Pinch Fusion Propulsion
1:24–1:30PM EDT
Stephanie Manasterski (Univ. Alabama, Hunstville), Kaitlyn Judd (Univ. Alabama, Hunstville), Jason Cassibry (Univ. Alabama, Hunstville), Gabe Xu (Univ. Alabama, Huntsville)
Pyrolytic Graphite Insulation used for Light-Weight Radioisotope Heater Units
1:30–1:36PM EDT
Kenneth R. Veach (ORNL), Joe O'Bryan (ORNL)
