In January 2025, the Center for Nuclear Security Science and Policy Initiatives (NSSPI) partnered with the Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence (NSDD) Office in the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) to conduct a hands-on training event for NSDD’s Science and Engineering Team (SET). SET is tasked with advancing the state-of-the-art in nuclear smuggling detection technology and supporting efforts to prevent the illicit trafficking of nuclear materials.
This event brought together experts from across the country to enhance their skills in using this state-of-the-art technology through realistic field exercises. Over two days, participants engaged in multiple different challenges, applying SET tools, technology, and expertise in simulated field operations at Texas Engineering Extension Service’s Disaster City campus. The unique environment provided an ideal setting for realistic training scenarios. Participants from seven national laboratories, including Brookhaven, Idaho, Los Alamos, Lawrence Livermore, Oak Ridge, Pacific Northwest, and Sandia National Laboratories, participated in the exercises.
According to NSSPI Deputy Director and event co-organizer Dr. Craig Marianno, “This training provides a unique opportunity for our nuclear engineering students at Texas A&M to collaborate with professionals from leading national laboratories, gain firsthand experience with specialized detection equipment, and contribute to solving real-world nuclear security challenges.”
Nuclear engineering students played critical roles throughout the event, from leading exercises and assisting in scenario development to acting as participants in role-playing simulations designed to test detection strategies. One such challenge involved students portraying passengers on a train in a simulated border transit scenario, where participants had to identify and respond to the smuggling of concealed nuclear and radiological materials.
This marks the second year of collaboration between NSSPI and NSDD on this training, which has been highly praised by the participants. Activities like these not only strengthen the nation’s nuclear security capabilities but also provide invaluable learning opportunities for the next generation of nuclear security professionals.
