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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|Panel
Saturday, April 10, 2021|1:00–2:00PM EDT
Session Chair:
Jason Hou
Alternate Chair:
Ishita Trivedi
Session Organizer:
Edward Chen (NC State Univ.)
Track Organizer:
Session Producers:
Nilay Kulkarni (NC State Univ.)
This interactive panel discussion seeks to answer attendee questions about academic career paths including whats, whys, whens, and hows of preparing for an academic career, pursuing a faculty position, and thriving as an early career faculty member. A panel of early career nuclear engineering faculty will briefly discuss their motivations, experiences, and challenges in the pursuit of their academic career paths. Additionally, these faculty will discuss lessons learned and provide recommendations to students considering becoming faculty. We hope all students curious about academic career paths will join this session armed with as many questions as possible. Ask us anything.
North Carolina State University
Kathryn Huff
U.S. Department of Energy-DC
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