NEI Nuclear Notes

As a nuclear engineer in 2015, I am privileged to be a contributor during a time of great change in the American and global nuclear industries. Energy policy and sustainability are at the forefront of our political and social landscape more than ever and are major concerns for Americans. After gaining a variety of technical skills during my eight years in the nuclear industry, my current role allows me to participate in innovative nuclear design and safety analysis that could set the standard for future designs. The realization that my work could positively affect the lives of millions and impact the nuclear industry for years to come is extremely humbling. Additionally, my work as a member of the American Nuclear Society (ANS) has facilitated the professional success of my colleagues, as well as myself, and provided us with opportunities to strive for change. It is thrilling for me to consider the fact that, as engineers, we exercise complex and hard-earned skills on a daily basis an...

The following post was sent to us by Southern/Georgia Power’s Sarah Gillham for NEI’s Powered by Our People promotion . Powered by Our People is part of the Future of Energy campaign that NEI launched earlier this year. This promotion aims to communicate innovation in our nation’s nuclear facilities in the voices of the people working at them. Sarah is the maintenance rule coordinator at Vogtle 3 & 4. She has been in the nuclear industry for four years, choosing to make a career in the industry after two summer internships in her field.  For more on this promotion, take a look at the featured content on our website and follow the #futureofenergy tag across our digital channels. Sarah Gillham How long have you been in the nuclear industry?  I have been employed full time for four years and have two summers of previous experience as an intern. What is your job and why do you enjoy doing it?  I am currently serving as the maintenance rule coordinator at th...

When NEI launched NEI Nuclear Notes almost seven (!) years ago, the nuclear energy blogging landscape was rather bare, as was our blogroll. The term "social media" was still on the horizon, Faacebook was still in its infancy, and not everyone inside our own organization was convinced that starting a blog -- whatever the heck that might be -- was an altogether good idea. As I was walking into a conference room at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington last night for a no holds barred discussion on social media sponsored by the American Nuclear Society , I had to wonder out loud what anyone had been afraid of in the first place. So, while there was a time when we were so happy to find a blogger who supported nuclear energy we started a regular feature , it was nothing but standing room only in that hotel conference room last night . As you might imagine, the debate was freewheeling, which it couldn't help but be when you stuff 60 or so bloggers into the same room for a co...

If you're available Tuesday evening, Nov 17th, Dan Yurman is proposing a nuclear blogger get-together after the American Nuclear Society's winter meeting in Washington DC : While there is no formal session on blogging and social media in the [ANS] program, several nuclear bloggers will be there. I am proposing an informal social event Tuesday evening Nov 17th. The area has plenty of restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. We propose to have an informal discussion about how social media, including blogs, instant messages, and web services are shaping public perceptions of the nuclear energy industry. If you are interested in participating, please drop me an email at: djysrv [at] gmail.com Include an email address so that a broadcast notice can be sent to everyone once we firm up the details. Or use my Google Voice service to keep in touch. Sounds exciting, you can include me on that RSVP!

The American Nuclear Society 's Dr. Burchill spoke to students at Vanderbilt University about... ...the factors that are producing the renaissance of nuclear power in the United States, the current status of that renaissance, and the challenges that it presents. These challenges include re-establishing the United States nuclear infrastructure, addressing proliferation concerns, building public confidence, licensing the Yucca Mountain High Level Waste Repository, and closing the nuclear fuel cycle. You can listen here for the podcast .

My friend Rod Adams has been busy attending the 2007 ANS Winter Meeting here in Washington. Click here and here for his reports.