Titans Of Nuclear | Interviewing World Experts on Nuclear Energy

Latest Episodes:

Ep 228: Janelle Wharry, Purdue University Nov 21, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, we discuss...

1) How radiation changes materials within a reactor 2) The advancement of electron-beam welding and the potential to decrease cost and extend reactor lifetimes 3) Strengthening materials by precisely deforming crystal structures with radiation 4) The need to deploy technological advancements to move the nuclear industry forward

Ep 227: Robert Bean, Purdue University Nov 20, 2019

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In this episode, we discuss...

1) How he first became interested in nuclear engineering and what sparked his interest in academia 2) Robert's post-graduate path to becoming an expert in radiation detection and how he became involved in designing nuclear facilities for safeguards 3) Robert reflects on his time in Washington as an advisor to the NNSA and how it brought him back to Purdue University as a full-time faculty member 4) A highlight of the Purdue University reactor and some of the current research projects utilizing the facility, including projects in physics and health science 5) Robert Bean explains some of the challenges of nuclear reactor deployment and potential benefits of building small modular reactors

Ep 226: Allen Garner, Purdue University Nov 19, 2019

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In this episode, we discuss...

1) Allen's early work in prevention of mutual interference in the naval reactors submarine force 2) How Allen transitioned from being a naval submarine officer to a biomedical graduate student studying modification of biological cells 3) How Allen's research on electromagnetic interference at GE has been applied to create a non-linear transmission line at Purdue 4) Impacts on nano structures caused by intersections of different mechanisms in electron emissions and gas breakdown

Ep 225: Jason Harris, Purdue University Nov 18, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, we discuss how...

1) Jason Harris reflects on his early interest in biology led to a career in nuclear engineering 2) Jason leans into health physics and how radionuclides are distributed throughout the environment 3) A comprehensive look at nuclear power plant emissions and the birth of the nuclear security field 4) Methods of analyzing and assessing security culture at organizations and how it impacts risk at a nuclear facility

Ep 224: Juan Vitali, US Army Nov 15, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, we discuss...

(1) How Three Mile Island sparked Juan's interest in nuclear power and his journey to becoming a strategist for the Army's Logistics Innovation Agency (2) Saving lives and combating climate change by improving Army logistics by adopting nuclear power (3) The current progress in developing a small modular mobile nuclear power plant prototype (4) The importance of electrifying the military to maintain the technological edge

NOTE: Juan Vitali's personal opinions do not represent the U.S. Army's official position.

Ep 223: Lane Carasik, Virginia Commonwealth University Nov 13, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, we discuss how...

1) Lane's initial interest in nuclear and his college coursework that led him to teaching at Virginia Commonwealth University. 2) He worked, interned, and conducted research all over the field of nuclear in startups and laboratories, but eventually found his place in academia. 3) Lane encourages people to advocate for nuclear and talks about lessons he passes onto his students. 4) Lane discusses the future of nuclear domestically and around the world.

Ep 222: Braden Goddard, Virginia Commonwealth University Nov 12, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, we discuss...

1) How nuclear material neutrons are measured to verify amounts 2) The difference between plutonium-239 and plutonium-240 in the context of nuclear weapons 3) Life in the UAE as a nuclear postdoc 4) Decreasing the attractiveness of plutonium for weapons use with neptunium

Ep 221: James Miller, Virginia Commonwealth University Nov 11, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, we discuss

1) James' career at Dominion and as a professor at Virginia Commonwealth University 2) How the Three Mile Island meltdown occurred and the more demanding safety culture that emerged 3) The potential for Probabilistic Risk Assessments to shift the safety culture 4) How the Final Safety Analysis Report and significant regulatory delays are harming the industry

Ep 220: Michael Binder, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission Nov 07, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, we discuss...

1) Michael discusses his background in math and how it led him to a career in the government

2) Michael explains the regulatory review process as it applies to domestic projects and international technologies approved abroad

3) Michael explains Chinese advancements in nuclear technology in comparison to North American innovation

4) Michael and Bret discuss the future of nuclear including financing, regulations, environmental assessments, and safety planning

Ep 219: Ramzi Jammal, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission Nov 06, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, we discuss how...

1) Ramzi was introduced to nuclear early by family and university professors who were pioneers of the industry

2) Ramzi explains advances in the medical field due to nuclear technology

3) Ramzi breaks down negative perceptions about nuclear

4) Ramzi discusses recent changes to the nuclear field and his hopes for the future

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