Seminar: Nuclear Energy, Pop Culture, and a Giant Lab

Dr. Todd Allen, Deputy Laboratory Director, Science and Technology, Idaho National Laboratory

Abstract:

The recognition of the need for nuclear energy in a clean, stable energy future is increasing in the scientific and political communities.  Given that changing discussion, a look at popular culture images in relation to nuclear energy should be informative.  This talk will focus on images related to nuclear energy and popular culture and how they have changed as the technology has become more available.  As part of the evolution of nuclear energy, the research community develops concepts to evaluate nuclear energy.  This second portion of this presentation will provide an overview of the Idaho National Laboratory and how they support demonstration of advanced nuclear concepts.

About the Speaker:

Dr. Todd Allen is the deputy laboratory director for Science & Technology at the Idaho National Laboratory.  Dr. Allen’s research expertise is in the area of materials-related issues in nuclear reactors, specifically radiation damage and corrosion. His research interests also include energy policy and the sustainability of nuclear energy.  He has been a professor in the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison since 2003.  From 2008 through 2012, he was the scientific director for the Advanced Test Reactor National Scientific User Facility at INL, a position he held in conjunction with his faculty position at the University of Wisconsin.  He served as a nuclear-trained submarine officer and is a retired Navy captain. He earned a doctorate in nuclear engineering from the University of Michigan in 1997 and began his research career at Argonne National Laboratory-West in Idaho Falls. He holds a master’s degree in nuclear engineering from the University of Michigan, a master’s degree in information management from George Washington University, and a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering from Northwestern University.

Hosted by Professor Xiaodong Sun (The Ohio State University)