As nuclear power is poised to surge, Boise State researchers weigh in on safety, security, and safeguards

Kathleen Araújo, director of the Energy Policy Institute, and graduate student Dylan McCallum recently presented at the 67th annual meeting of the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management (INMM) in Austin, Texas. Their participation in this premier event, which draws upwards of 500 energy professionals from around the world, showcases Boise State's growing role in nuclear workforce development.

Navigating a nuclear renaissance

The United States is experiencing a nuclear renaissance driven by a variety of factors, from surging power demands to recent federal policy shifts and major tech-sector investment. As the country moves toward goals including increased power capacity and resilience, attention to management, safety and security is equally important.

Araújo and McCallum's presentation, titled, "International Regulation of Nuclear Materials Safety, Security and Safeguards in an Era of Co-located Hubs, Restarts, Digital Twins and Artificial Intelligence," examined how nuclear materials management is being reshaped by new industry trends - including reactors co-located with data centers, restarts of retired plants, and the growing use of digital twins and AI.

"As nuclear energy reaches a critical turning point, emergent developments are putting safety, security, and safeguard frameworks to the test. How we navigate these shifts-and shape regulatory oversight-will define the industry's future," Araújo said.

McCallum believes their research will be beneficial to policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers at the forefront of this unprecedented time of technological and industrial boom.

"There are significant operational and regulatory considerations that stakeholders will need to address, and our findings could help guide regulators and plant managers when navigating these emerging areas," McCallum said.

The next generation of nuclear safety professionals

Alongside growing sector demands, there is widespread interest in developing the next generation of highly qualified professionals in nuclear security and safeguards. To address this need, Boise State has partnered with Idaho State University and University of Idaho in offering a graduate certificate in Nuclear Safeguards and Security. This online, 12 credit-hour program prepares degree and non-degree seeking individuals in areas including nuclear security regulation, cybersecurity, and safeguards - measures designed to ensure nuclear materials stay used for peaceful purposes.

McCallum, a graduate research assistant at the Energy Policy Institute, is currently enrolled in Boise State's Master of Public Administration program and the Nuclear Security and Safeguards certificate; he expects to graduate this fall.

The INMM awarded McCallum an early professional fellowship to attend this conference, which he described as an invaluable networking and learning experience.

"I was able to connect and learn from so many intelligent, accomplished experts and students and early-career professionals in our field," McCallum said. "I felt proud being able to discuss the significant work that we've been engaged in, and I am grateful to have contributed to this rapidly growing field."

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