On-site pools for spent nuclear fuel at power plants and other facilities are reaching their design capacity across the country. With long-term storage plans for this spent fuel tied up in a political stalemate, the nation’s nuclear power reactors are turning to dry cask storage as an interim storage solution. “Current practices in nuclear safeguards […]
NSSPI Student Evaluates the Effect of ‘Holdup’ in Nuclear Material Accounting for Uranium Enrichment
Uranium enrichment has gained a lot of attention in recent years because of the possibility for diverting material from peaceful uses and of enriching uranium beyond acceptable limits. One of the safeguards challenges for uranium enrichment lies in accounting for material and preventing diversions through the enrichment process. In uranium enrichment, UF6 gas is fed […]
NSSPI Student Develops System to Monitor Health of Radiation Detection Systems
Radiation portal monitors are used around the world to detect the illegal transportation of radioactive material at border crossings and points of entry. These portal monitors utilize scintillating detectors composed of polyvinyl toluene (PVT) plastic to screen vehicles and cargo for gamma ray emissions that would indicate the presence of radioactive materials. Unfortunately, the PVT […]
NSSPI Celebrates 100th Degree
While he was not able to walk across the stage, this past weekend Patrick O’Neal received the 100th graduate degree with a specialization in nuclear nonproliferation awarded to a nuclear engineering student from the Center for Nuclear Security Science and Policy Initiatives (NSSPI) since its creation in March of 2006. O’Neal earned his Master of […]
NSSPI Offers Online Training Modules and Professional Certificate Programs
In response to the current COVID-19 situation, many employees across the nation are being asked to work from home. While this may be a disruption to their normal job functions, it can also be a tremendous opportunity to engage them in meaningful professional development activities. The Center for Nuclear Security Science and Policy Initiatives (NSSPI), […]