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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
Saturday, April 10, 2021|11:00AM–12:00PM EDT
Session Chair:
Lakshitha Kaleyanda (NCSU)
Alternate Chair:
Ishita Trivedi
Session Organizer:
Edward Chen (NCSU)
Track Organizer:
Session Producers:
Alp Tezbasaran (NCSU)
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Review of Nuclear Rocket Instrumentation
Bailey T. Bertrand (University of Tennessee Department of Nuclear Engineering), David M. Sikorski (University of Tennessee Department of Nuclear Engineering), Dan Floyd (University of Tennessee Department of Nuclear Engineering)
Paper
Space Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Design
Arthur E. Chadwick (Virginia Commonwealth University), Meryem Murphy (Virginia Commonwealth University), Gustavo Monge (Virginia Commonwealth University), Ryan Blackwell (Virginia Commonwealth University), Zeyun Wu (Virginia Commonwealth University)
Fast Fission Reactor for Lunar Habitation and Work
Jack DiLoreto (University of Michigan), James K. Pelkey (University of Michigan), Keegan D. Pombier (University of Michigan), Jeremy Eshbaugh (University of Michigan), Dale B. Lancaster (University of Michigan)
