nuclear-news

Guest Columnist Sunday, July 3, 2016 Twenty-nine teachers and guidance counselors saw nuclear technology in action during the Southeastern Summer Nuclear Institute, held June 15-17. They came from as far away as Acworth, Ga., and Greenville, S.C., to spend three days out of their summer vacation to learn more about nuclear energy and technology. And SSNI was just the ticket.

In addition, SSNI included a visit to Augusta University for an overview of nuclear medicine facilities and procedures.

In each case, career opportunities were discussed……In addition, the evening programs included a panel discussion of local educational opportunities, led by Mindy Mets, the nuclear workforce initiative program manager for the Savannah River Site Community Reuse Organization, and a challenging presentation by Capt. Kevin Byrne, commanding officer of the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command at the Navy Nuclear Power School.

The institute included a series of workshop sessions over the three days to emphasize atomic and nuclear fundamentals; power generation fundamentals; nuclear technology applications; risk (real vs. perceived); and nuclear workforce opportunities ……

Lodging (if needed) and meals were provided at the University of South Carolina Aiken along with free educational resources and teacher guides for classroom presentations. In addition, each participant received two $25 gift cards to help cover travel expenses.

SSNI IS LED BY Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness, a local nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide education and information on nuclear subjects for the public. Other sponsors include the American Nuclear Society – Savannah River and Columbia, AREVA, Atkins, Georgia Power Co./Plant Vogtle, SCE&G, SRSCRO, SUNRISE Universities, USC Aiken and the Aiken Rotary Club.

(The writer – a retired program manager from the Savannah River National Laboratory – is a member of the Citizens for Nuclear Technology  http://chronicle.augusta.com/opinion/opinion-columns/2016-07-03/teachers-two-states-go-nuclear-educational-summer-institute#