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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.
8:00–9:20AM EDT
Panel|Room 305|Technology Research and Development
Room 306|Testing, Evaluation, and Production Supply Chain
Session Chair: Sara Sumner|Alternate Chair: Kaitlyn Judd
Panel|Room 302/303/304|Policy, Regulations, Safety, and Security
10:10–11:30AM EDT
Room 306|Technology Research and Development
Session Chair: Teandra Pfeil|Alternate Chair: Ethan Payne
Room 302/303/304|Technology Research and Development
Session Chair: Timothy Erickson|Alternate Chair: Leo Gard
Panel|Room 305|Testing, Evaluation, and Production Supply Chain
1:00–2:00PM EDT
Session Chair: Garrett Pohl|Alternate Chair: Ron Faibish
Room 305|Testing, Evaluation, and Production Supply Chain
Session Chair: Joe Hough|Alternate Chair: Kenton Sherick
Room 306|Policy, Regulations, Safety, and Security
Session Chair: Frank Putzu|Alternate Chair: Annette Parks
2:00–3:20PM EDT
Session Chair: Thomas DeMichael|Alternate Chair: Mahmoud Eltawila
Panel|Room 305|Architectures, Missions, and Use Cases
Session Chair: Nicole Smith
Session Chair: Susan S. Voss|Alternate Chair: Patrick Riley
Session Chair: Taylor Hampson|Alternate Chair: James Mastandrea
Session Chair: Matthew Stang|Alternate Chair: Noah Kentros
Session Chair: Catrina Melograna|Alternate Chair: Alex Gilbert
Session Chair: David Frate|Alternate Chair: Jaymon Birch
Session Chair: Alex Gilbert|Alternate Chair: Tim Duquette
Room 306|Architectures, Missions, and Use Cases
Session Chair: Jericho Locke
Room 305|Technology Research and Development
Session Chair: Timothy Wharton|Alternate Chair: Garrett Pohl
Session Chair: Julia Cline|Alternate Chair: Vincenzo Barbato
Session Chair: Ernestina Wozniak|Alternate Chair: Danielle Allen
Session Chair: Daniel Kelly|Alternate Chair: Ramy Mesalam
Session Chair: Gina Dugala|Alternate Chair: Monica Salunkhe
Session Chair: Jhonathan Rosales|Alternate Chair: Roger Miller
Session Chair: Salvatore Oriti|Alternate Chair: Luke Hansen
Session Chair: Luis Rodriguez|Alternate Chair: Alexandru Stafie
Session Chair: Greeta Thaikattil|Alternate Chair: Corey Smith
Session Chair: Jarvis Caffrey|Alternate Chair: Jacob Stonehill
Session Chair: Vincent Varouh|Alternate Chair: Tyler Steiner
Session Chair: Nicholas Brooks|Alternate Chair: Stephanie Manasterski
Session Chair: Adam Parkison|Alternate Chair: Nathaniel Cavanaugh
Session Chair: Joel Krakower|Alternate Chair: Timothy Blackman
Session Chair: Allen Guzik|Alternate Chair: Chris Venturella
Session Chair: Jessica Leung|Alternate Chair: Krystine Pimentel
