Crisafulli: At the start of the day’s meeting, Terry introduced Autumn Crisafulli, nuclear safety engineer at Fauske & Associates, who gave a presentation on computational physics and nuclear science. Crisafulli described her use of tools such as the computer codes Python, MATLAB, and Glowscript, and nuclear applications like performing predictive modeling of reactor core behavior and creating simulations of accident scenarios. Recalling her early studies and choice of computational physics as a career, she cited computer languages C++ and Fortran and even the popular online game Minecraft as tools that she used early on, describing how self-study and using Internet resources were a major aspect of her studies.
Jebsen: ANS member Eric Jebsen, chair of the ANS Chicago–Great Lakes section, followed with his presentation “Working at a Nuclear Plant in Illinois.” After quizzing the audience, he provided an overview and pictures of the six operating commercial nuclear power plants in the state, which include a total of 11 nuclear reactors. In addition to careers for nuclear engineers, he described other job functions also required at nuclear plants: maintenance, security, information technology, chemistry, Nuclear Regulatory Commission oversight, training, and operations.
Bachmann: Nuclear engineer and ANS member Amanda Bachmann spoke next, presenting her “Argonne Nuclear Energy Program Overview.” Bachmann, who works at Argonne, started by providing details about the 17 Department of Energy national laboratories and their areas of focus. For Argonne, she provided details about some of the primary facilities, including the Advanced Photon Source, the Argonne Tandem Linac Accelerator System (ATLAS), the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility, the Center for Nanoscale Materials, the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement, and the Intermediate Voltage Electron Microscope.
Terry: Terry then took the stage for his presentation entitled “Nuclear Research Is Fun.” He started by describing his adventures going to Nevada’s mysterious Area 51 and went on to talk about how people have become more afraid of nuclear over time. He described how radioactive materials are not even close to being the most dangerous material that he has worked with and mentioned the discovery of a bug—WIPP 1A—at the DOE’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, in New Mexico, that absorbs plutonium. He also talked about how plutonium is the most interesting material on the planet in his estimation, describing the phase transitions of plutonium as it is heated. During the Q&A, he discussed Germany’s country-wide shutdown of its nuclear plants, yet the country allows for easier handling of radioactive material for synchrotron experiments.
Mishra: Finally, Bhoopesh Mishra, associate professor of physics at Illinois Tech, gave a brief introduction to the research conducted at the institute. He described a range of research related to nuclear energy, focusing on both fundamental and applied aspects. Faculty and researchers explore nuclear materials, reactor physics, neutrino physics, and the development of advanced diagnostic techniques including new detectors for understanding nuclear reactions and material behavior in reactor environments. Key projects often involve collaborations with national laboratories and industry partners aimed at improving reactor safety, efficiency, and sustainability. This work contributes to innovations in nuclear energy generation, waste management, and nuclear security, aligning with broader efforts to advance safe and clean energy solutions.
Displays: Exhibits available before and after the presentations included a cloud chamber provided by ANS and Terry's demonstration of nuclear propulsion as it will be used for vehicles in space travel.
Joseph Koblich is an Illinois Tech graduate and a former ANS IT director.
