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Division Spotlight
Nuclear Criticality Safety
NCSD provides communication among nuclear criticality safety professionals through the development of standards, the evolution of training methods and materials, the presentation of technical data and procedures, and the creation of specialty publications. In these ways, the division furthers the exchange of technical information on nuclear criticality safety with the ultimate goal of promoting the safe handling of fissionable materials outside reactors.
Meeting Spotlight
Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS 2023)
May 7–11, 2023
Idaho Falls, ID|Snake River Event Center
Standards Program
The Standards Committee is responsible for the development and maintenance of voluntary consensus standards that address the design, analysis, and operation of components, systems, and facilities related to the application of nuclear science and technology. Find out What’s New, check out the Standards Store, or Get Involved today!
Latest Magazine Issues
Mar 2023
Jan 2023
Latest Journal Issues
Nuclear Science and Engineering
April 2023
Nuclear Technology
Fusion Science and Technology
February 2023
Latest News
Donalds, Barnard call for streamlining NRC’s regulatory process
Barnard
Donalds
“To be frank, any emissions-related climate goals are moonshots without nuclear energy, and next-generation nuclear technology is something that the United States can and SHOULD lead on.” So writes U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds (R., Fla.) and Christopher Barnard, vice president of external affairs for the American Conservation Coalition, in an essay published by RealClear Energy.
Good news: Donalds, one of the strongest advocates for nuclear energy in the U.S. House, and Barnard, publisher and coauthor of Green Market Revolution, begin their essay by noting some recent positive developments for nuclear power. They characterize the initial criticality of Vogtle-3, the first new nuclear reactor built in the United States in about 30 years, as “a monumental achievement for the American nuclear industry.” They praise the Biden administration’s allocation of funds to keep established nuclear plants operational.
UWC Opening Plenary: Driving Transformational Change Moderator
MPR Associates Principal Officer
Bob Coward is Principal Officer of MPR Associates, a world leading Specialty Engineering and Technical Services Company, a position he was promoted to in January, 2009. In this overall MPR Leadership role, Bob is responsible for all aspects of MPR performance in all engineering disciplines and all business sectors. Prior to becoming Principal Officer, Bob was responsible for leading all of MPR’s services to the nuclear power sector worldwide.
He graduated with honors from Duke University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and his career has focused on the technical details of the design and evaluation of nuclear power plants, maintaining this focus as he transitioned to company leadership.
During his career at MPR, he has worked on over 100 electric generating plants worldwide, including 58 of the 65 US nuclear power plant sites, with on-site work at 34 of the 65 US sites. He has also provided strategic technical and management support to key DOE projects and programs. His specific expertise includes work in the areas of system performance, safety analysis, and project management, as well as the design and development of new nuclear power plants. Mr. Coward participates on key industry leadership committees and is recognized as a key industry leader in the safe and reliable operation of the existing US nuclear power plants. He has also had important and influential industry roles in the design, licensing and development of new nuclear power plants, with leadership roles on the EPRI Advanced Light Water Reactor Program, the DOE NP2010 Program, the STP 3&4 ABWR project, as well as the NuScale and other new plant programs.
As Principal Officer of MPR, Mr. Coward regularly engages with nuclear industry executive leadership to be knowledgeable of industry needs and guide MPR to address those challenges and contribute to industry success. Mr. Coward regularly serves on “blue ribbon panels” in support of clients and industry groups addressing important design, regulatory, and operational challenges regarding advanced reactor systems, extended power uprates, safety system performance, significant event evaluations, and new plant projects. A particular skill is leading multi-organization and multi-discipline teams to achieve their missions and deliver excellence, with a focus on collaboration and teamwork.
Finally, a focus of Mr. Coward’s efforts in his leadership role at MPR is the professional development of the MPR technical staff, including both technical expertise and leadership capabilities.
Mr. Coward is a Past President of the American Nuclear Society (2017-2018).
He lives in Alexandria, VA with his wife Kelley, and together they have five children. He enjoys time on the golf course, basketball court, and beach, as well as a tough technical challenge.
Last modified July 15, 2020, 3:27pm EDT
