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The Role of the College of Technology in the Nuclear Industry

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Conference

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Vancouver, BC

Publication Date

June 26, 2011

Start Date

June 26, 2011

End Date

June 29, 2011

ISSN

2153-5965

Conference Session

Interdisciplinary Education in Engineering Technology

Tagged Division

Engineering Technology

Page Count

25

Page Numbers

22.1502.1 - 22.1502.25

DOI

10.18260/1-2--18662

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/18662

Download Count

417

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Paper Authors

biography

Joseph F. Kmec Purdue University

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Joseph F. Kmec is currently Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering Technology at Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN. His teaching areas of concentration are energy-based and include Applied Thermodynamics, Internal Combustion Engines, Motorsports, and Power Plant Systems. His recent activities involving student projects include engine simulation, power plant performance analysis, and nuclear technology. He may be reached at: kmecjf@purdue.edu.

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biography

Bryan J. Hubbard Purdue University, West Lafayette

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Bryan Hubbard is an Assistant Professor in the Building Construction and Management (BCM) Program at Purdue University where he teaches courses in plan reading, estimating, and industrial construction. Bryan’s research interests include construction safety, industrial and nuclear construction, and workforce training. He has received numerous research grants from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to further research in the area of construction safety and also from the Department of Labor to promote construction worker safety training. Prior to working in BCM, Bryan worked at Purdue in the Civil Engineering Department and the Construction Engineering and Management Program teaching and working with industry.

Prior to coming to Purdue, Bryan worked as an engineer in industry, with design and construction experience in the United States and Europe, including large scale projects in the power industry. Bryan was the lead inventor on a new process for water purification and desalination in industrial cooling systems and holds two patents Bryan received his Ph.D. in civil engineering from Texas A&M University and his master's and bachelor's degrees from Purdue University, and is licensed as a professional engineer in the State of Indiana.

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Martin A Lopez De Bertodano Purdue University, West Lafayette

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Martin Bertodano is Associate Professor of Nuclear Engineering at Purdue University.

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Benjamin Revis Purdue University

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Graduate of the College of Technology at Purdue West Lafayette, IN and currently serving the School of Nuclear Engineering as Nuclear Electronics Technician, Senior Reactor Operator for Purdue University Reactor 1, and Radiation Detection and Measurement Laboratory Instructor.

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Abstract

Abstract  The Role of the College of Technology in the Nuclear IndustryEver-increasing energy demands, concerns over climate change, and an elusive chase fornational energy independence are driving a quiet resurgence for increasing the use of nuclearpower. Experts maintain however, that any nuclear power expansion will have to be both timelyand at a scale that will provide the results intended. For this to happen, initiatives leading to theeducation and development of qualified nuclear personnel will have to be implemented. ThePurdue College of Technology plans of study are designed to prepare graduates for occupationalareas with a distinct “hands-on” reach. For this reason, the College of Technology is in a uniqueposition to contribute meaningfully to any expansion of the domestic nuclear industry. Whileformal course offerings in the nuclear disciplines are not yet in place, the College of Technologyis positioned to engage in curriculum changes that could match if not surpass existing nuclearprograms that prepare students for careers in the nuclear industry. The object of this paper is todefine the role of the College of Technology as it seeks to establish itself in the nuclear powerresurgence. In so doing, the paper examines training and education programs currently offered tomeet licensing and employment qualification mandates by the Nuclear Regulatory Commissionand nuclear plant operators. The paper also attempts to show how on-campus resources such asthe School of Nuclear Engineering, a Radiation Detection lab, and a nuclear reactor, cancontribute to a higher order of technical knowledge that will be needed to engage students indevelopments such as revolutionary reactor designs and ventures into new and advanced fuelcycles. Finally, the paper examines a near-term and a long term plan of action to engage theCollege’s mechanical, electrical, and building construction disciplines in preparing students forthe nuclear industry.    

Kmec, J. F., & Hubbard, B. J., & Lopez De Bertodano, M. A., & Revis, B. (2011, June), The Role of the College of Technology in the Nuclear Industry Paper presented at 2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Vancouver, BC. 10.18260/1-2--18662

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