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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.
Radiation Protection and Shielding Division 2024 (RPSD 2024)
Kaylee is a PhD student at the University of Florida studying Materials Science and Engineering. She received a Master of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in May 2024. Her research is focused on simulating fission gas release mechanisms in uranium nitride fuels. Kaylee is also known as “Ms. Nuclear Energy” on TikTok, where she maintains almost 120,000 followers for her cheeky, comedic videos explaining nuclear energy topics in laymen’s terms.
Last modified June 20, 2024, 2:38pm EDT
