About the Course

Environmental concerns have historically presented a major obstacle to expanding the use of nuclear energy worldwide. In the United States, more than ten states have implemented laws to restrict new construction of nuclear reactors until a spent nuclear fuel disposal plan is developed. At the same time, nuclear industries have been pioneering environmental and waste isolation technologies with long compliance periods, multi-barrier systems, and extensive regulations.

In this course, students will learn the foundational aspects of radioactive waste management, including storage, recycling, and disposal technologies and environmental impact assessment methodologies, as well as relevant regulations and history. This course provides a holistic perspective of the subject, considering the origins and impact of radioactive waste throughout the fuel cycle. Critical review of current technical solutions and policies is emphasized in the course.

Who Should Participate

  • Professionals and students with an interest in nuclear waste management.
  • Professionals and students working towards a bachelor's degree in any discipline.
  • Professionals working adjacent to or in the management of nuclear waste.
  • Employers, professionals, and students looking to establish a foundational understanding and common vocabulary of nuclear waste management topics.

What You'll Learn

  • Key metrics of radioactive waste across the fuel cycle.
  • History of nuclear waste management.
  • U.S. and IAEA radioactive waste classification systems.
  • Waste storage, conditioning, transportation, and disposal technologies for each waste type.
  • Performance assessments and safety for radioactive waste disposal.
  • Regulations surrounding hazardous waste management.
  • Spent nuclear fuel recycling and its economic and environmental impacts.

Course Instructors and Developers

Mary Lou Dunzik-Gougar, Professor of Nuclear Engineering and Associate Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, Idaho State University

Megan Harkema, Assistant Project Manager for Collaboration-Based Siting Research, Vanderbilt University

Steven Krahn, Professor, Vanderbilt University

Christina Leggett, Director of Fuel Cycle Technologies, Oklo

Chammi Miller, R&D Manager, Sandia National Laboratories

Sylvia Saltzstein, Sandia National Laboratories, Emeritus

Scott Sanborn, Manager, Sandia National Laboratories

Haruko Wainwright, Assistant Professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology