Advanced Nuclear Security Program At The University Of New Mexico

Year
2020
Author(s)
Alan Scott Evans - Sandia National Laboratories
Adam Williams - Sandia National Laboratories
Cassiano Ricardo Endres De Oliveira - University of New Mexico
Sarah Picanso - DOE NNSA Office of International Nuclear Security
Abstract

With support from Sandia National Laboratories (Sandia) and sponsorship from the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Office of International Nuclear Security (NNSA/INS), an Advanced Nuclear Security Program is being piloted at the University of New Mexico (UNM). This program focuses on educational foundations, research opportunities and professional development opportunities within the nuclear security discipline. This effort is based on the need for a dedicated program to educate the next generation of nuclear security experts to meet obligations for both domestic and international nuclear security enterprises. This program is aimed to address the lack of a structured nuclear security program and fill a gap facing those now finishing their post-secondary education. Current program plans are structured on the foundation of several core courses—including the theory and practice behind international and domestic nuclear security, the design principles behind nuclear security systems, and a hands-on, practical course aimed to provide experience implementing technologies and practices in nuclear security systems. Completion of this program will also include additional, elective courses that may be aligned with a element of nuclear security, including but not limited to: cybersecurity, nuclear power plant safety, weapons of mass production and nonproliferation, nuclear materials accounting and control, and more. In addition, this program will also focus on academic-quality research and development across the various elements within the discipline of nuclear security. For example, this education and R&D nexis can support such research in fundamental areas of nuclear security as novel approaches to insider threat mitigation, optimizing the relationship between nuclear security and safety, and incorporating security into advanced reactor designs. This program will also be unique in its structure with the addition of a professional development course—modeled after intensive, in-residence, executive style programs and intended to serve a wider audience of non-traditional students—offered during summer sessions. This Advanced Nuclear Security Program is focused on educating the next generation of nuclear security experts through the fundamental principles of nuclear security.