ANS is committed to advancing, fostering, and promoting the development and application of nuclear sciences and technologies to benefit society.
Explore the many uses for nuclear science and its impact on energy, the environment, healthcare, food, and more.
Explore membership for yourself or for your organization.
Conference Spotlight
2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
Latest Magazine Issues
Jul 2026
Jan 2026
2026
Latest Journal Issues
Nuclear Science and Engineering
September 2026
Nuclear Technology
August 2026
Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
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.
2023 ANS WINTER CONFERENCE AND EXPO
Brianne Miller is a seasoned energy policy expert with nearly 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors. She currently leads Microsoft’s advocacy efforts on clean energy, energy infrastructure, and environmental sustainability in the United States. She joined Microsoft in 2022 after serving as Director of Federal Relations for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory (INL), where she focused on policy issues related to nuclear energy, national security, science, and the environment. Prior to joining INL, she held various positions on Capitol Hill, including Deputy Staff Director for Energy on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee for then-Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Energy Policy Advisor to Senator James E. Risch (R-ID), Legislative Director to Congressman Doc Hastings (R-WA), and legislative assistant to Congressman Pete Olson (R-TX). Brianne holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University.
Last modified November 11, 2023, 11:31am EST
