The Center for Nuclear Security Science and Policy Initiatives (NSSPI) is currently hosting two Stanton Nuclear Security Fellows who are conducting policy-relevant technical research in nuclear security. This year’s fellows, Dr. Simon Adu and Dr. Sylvester Birikorang, are working under the guidance of NSSPI Director Dr. Mansung Yim, NSSPI Deputy Director Dr. Craig Marianno, and Texas A&M University Professor of Political Science Dr. Matthew Fuhrmann.
From October 16-18, 2024, Adu and Birikorang, accompanied by Yim and Fuhrmann, traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the annual Stanton Nuclear Security Fellows Seminar. There, they presented their research ideas to a group of Stanton fellows, mentors, and administrators.
Adu’s research focuses on assessing the terrorist risks associated with the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Sub-Saharan Africa. With many African countries considering nuclear energy to meet their clean and reliable energy needs, SMRs are seen as a promising option. However, as Adu explains, “There is a need to study nuclear security risks that may affect the smooth deployment of SMRs in Sub-Saharan African countries. These countries face security threats such as terrorism, piracy, and other risks from non-state actors.” His research aims to identify regional threats to SMR deployment, evaluate technology vulnerabilities specific to SMRs, assess the effectiveness of potential mitigation strategies using nuclear security risk assessment, and make policy recommendations.
Birikorang’s research examines how West Africa can be ready to develop a robust nuclear infrastructure that effectively addresses the security challenges associated with nuclear power development. The study will compare large nuclear reactors and small modular reactors for nuclear energy in West Africa. He will also assess the governing nuclear infrastructure in West Africa based on centralized or decentralized approaches. Birikorang will propose actionable policy recommendations for improvements in the regulatory framework, security measures, capacity building, and regional cooperation to handle the challenge of nuclear security. “The purpose is to evaluate the options for nuclear power development with respect to nuclear security risk management in West Africa,” Birikorang noted.
The Stanton Nuclear Security Fellows Program supports emerging scholars in nuclear security by providing a twelve-month fellowship at Texas A&M University under the mentorship of faculty members. It is open to post-doctoral researchers and early-career faculty, with the goal of fostering the next generation of thought leaders in nuclear security by advancing policy-relevant research.
The Stanton Fellows Program is funded by the Stanton Foundation, established by Frank Stanton to support initiatives in his areas of interest, including nuclear security. Texas A&M is one of seven top U.S. research institutions currently hosting Stanton Nuclear Security Fellows.