SC State is the only HBCU [historically black colleges and universities] that offers a four-year degree in nuclear engineering. The university is a member of the Battelle Savannah River Alliance, working closely with other institutions in support of Savannah River Nuclear Laboratory.
Education outreach: The E2 Center at SC State features state-of-the-art computer modeling within a 12-module control room simulator, which replicates the real-world operations of a NuScale small modular reactor facility in an interactive environment. The center includes a library of digital procedures and automations, a tiered notification system that informs operators of abnormal conditions, integrated emergency procedures, and fully automated sequences for changing output and controlling equipment.
Simulator participants can play the role of a control room operator and learn about the application of nuclear science and engineering principles at an advanced nuclear power plant. Nuclear engineering students at the university can gain practical experience and learn control room problem-solving skills, thereby helping to prepare the future nuclear workforce.
The E2 Center at SC State will also be used to promote collaborative research and “build bridges with industry leaders, academic partners and government entities—giving students a valuable network as they enter the field,” according to a university statement.
Another aspect of the E2 Center is community education. Demonstrations and tours are available for local community leaders, K-12 students, and the general public.
HBCUs drive innovation: SC State President Alexander Conyers commented on the new center by noting, “It’s not every day you get to bring a virtual nuclear reactor into the classroom. That kind of access can spark curiosity, open career paths, and change lives.” He added that the partnership between SC State and NuScale “brings world-class tools to our campus, supports our growing research mission as an R2 [high research activity] institution, and underscores the vital role HBCUs play in driving innovation across the country. It also strengthens our pipeline for workforce development with partners like the Battelle Savannah River Alliance, preparing our students to lead in one of the nation’s most critical industries.”
Other E2 Centers: Idaho State University, Ohio State University, Oregon State University, Texas A&M University, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (in New York State), University Politehnica of Bucharest (in Romania), Ghana Atomic Commission (in West Africa), and Seoul National University (in South Korea), also have their own E2 Centers .
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