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Division Spotlight
Nuclear Criticality Safety
NCSD provides communication among nuclear criticality safety professionals through the development of standards, the evolution of training methods and materials, the presentation of technical data and procedures, and the creation of specialty publications. In these ways, the division furthers the exchange of technical information on nuclear criticality safety with the ultimate goal of promoting the safe handling of fissionable materials outside reactors.
Meeting Spotlight
ANS Student Conference 2025
April 3–5, 2025
Albuquerque, NM|The University of New Mexico
Standards Program
The Standards Committee is responsible for the development and maintenance of voluntary consensus standards that address the design, analysis, and operation of components, systems, and facilities related to the application of nuclear science and technology. Find out What’s New, check out the Standards Store, or Get Involved today!
Latest Magazine Issues
Mar 2025
Jan 2025
Latest Journal Issues
Nuclear Science and Engineering
May 2025
Nuclear Technology
April 2025
Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
Will policies outlined in Project 2025 affect nuclear much?
James Conca
I think so. The near future for nuclear depends on both the cabinet picks for Energy, Defense, Interior, and Commerce, and how well the new secretaries stick to the Project 2025 plan, the Heritage Foundation’s conservative blueprint for the future.
Those who want to read the entire 900-page Mandate for Leadership can find it easily online. The section relating to nuclear power and waste begins on page 363: “Department of Energy and Related Commissions,” by Bernard L. McNamee. The nuclear weapons–related portions are scattered throughout.
It is obvious from the beginning of the chapter that McNamee doesn’t really understand the Department of Energy. He can be forgiven, since most people don’t. For the several months following their appointments, new energy secretaries generally fail to understand what the DOE does—except for real nuclear folks like Ernest Moniz, who held the position from 2013 to 2017. Most think that the DOE is all about energy, when really it is mostly about weapons and waste.
2020 ANS Virtual Winter Meeting Plenary Session Speaker
Ken Canavan joined Westinghouse as the Chief Technology Officer in January of 2018. Westinghouse’s CTO role has strategic responsibility to drive next-generation technology and innovation solutions that align with the company’s global business strategy. Ken leads the Global Technology Organization (GTO), and is responsible for ensuring that the Westinghouse’s technology vision and business strategy are aligned.
Mr. Canavan brings 34 years of nuclear experience to the position – half utility plant experience and half research and development experience.
Having held progressively responsible leadership roles within the nuclear energy industry, Ken most recently served as Director of Engineering, for the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). While at EPRI, he turned industry needs into compelling research and development plans. These plans resulted in solutions to improve the safety and performance of the global nuclear fleet.
Prior to his work at EPRI, Ken was responsible for risk and safety applications at Data Systems and Solutions and ERIN Engineering and Research. Ken’s utility experience includes work for GPU Nuclear at the Three Mile Island and Oyster Creek nuclear power plants primarily in risk and safety analysis with assignments in maintenance and operations. Ken began his career as safety analysis engineer with Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station.
Ken holds a Bachelors of Chemical Engineering with a minor in nuclear engineering from Manhattan College.
Last modified October 22, 2020, 11:45am EDT
