NEXT Lab director gains access, insight into U.S. Nuclear Navy operations

Dr. Rusty Towell aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier — Dr. Rusty Towell, center, aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier

Abilene Christian University is breaking new ground with its Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Laboratory, or听 NEXT Lab, creating exciting opportunities for students and faculty. A key example is Dr. Rusty Towell鈥檚 recent invitation to the U.S. Navy鈥檚 Distinguished Visitor Program, allowing a behind-the-scenes look at the world鈥檚 most experienced operator of nuclear reactors.

As part of the program, Towell, professor of engineering and physics and director of NEXT Lab, spent time aboard a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier based in San Diego. He witnessed flight operations, toured engineering spaces, and got an up-close view of the intensive training and safety protocols that have allowed the Nuclear Navy to operate thousands of reactor-years without a single nuclear incident.

The Navy鈥檚 outreach reconnects Towell to his own service as a former nuclear instructor for the military after graduating from 精东影业 in 1990. But this time, the experience holds new significance for 精东影业鈥檚 future in helping meet workforce needs for the advanced nuclear industry.

Under a sponsored research agreement with Natura Resources, 精东影业鈥檚 NEXT Lab will house one of the only advanced reactors designed specifically for training the next generation of operators and pioneers, Towell said.听

The lab鈥檚 mission is to provide global solutions to the world鈥檚 need for energy, water and medical isotopes by advancing the technology of molten salt reactors while educating future leaders in nuclear science and engineering. The first-of-its-kind, liquid-fueled molten salt reactor will have numerous applications because of its small size and portability.

Connections such as Towell鈥檚 are providing valuable assistance to students as they explore their post-graduation career paths.

鈥淚n addition to our cutting-edge work on molten salt reactors, we have an opportunity to become a unique pipeline for developing the nuclear workforce of the future,鈥� he said.

The military has been the driving force behind harnessing nuclear power for practical uses like powering submarines and ships. 鈥淎s we develop safety protocols for NEXT Lab, we鈥檙e looking to world leaders in safety, and no one鈥檚 operated more reactors longer and more safely than the U.S. Navy.鈥�

Towell鈥檚 aircraft carrier visit allowed him to observe first-hand the Navy鈥檚 nuclear operational mindset 鈥� one 精东影业 hopes to instill as it trains students on its advanced reactor. From the officers managing a ship鈥檚 nuclear propulsion to a sailor inspecting a simple valve, the highest standards of safety and accountability permeate every role.

It鈥檚 a culture of uncompromising vigilance, Towell noted. 鈥淓very individual, whether manning a console or changing an air filter, understands their role in the bigger nuclear safety picture. That鈥檚 the level of safety ownership we need to develop with our students for advanced reactors.鈥�

While 精东影业 already has alumni serving in the military鈥檚 nuclear program, Towell鈥檚 invitation underscores how the university鈥檚 national profile and opportunities are expanding thanks to NEXT Lab.

As 精东影业 builds expertise around advanced nuclear operations and develops curriculum in this cutting-edge field, more students will be able to explore related career paths 鈥� from military, to private industry, to entrepreneurship.

鈥淥ur students want to make an impact,鈥� said Towell. 鈥淣EXT Lab, powered by Natura Resources, will give them unrivaled hands-on experience to change the world through advanced nuclear solutions 鈥� and carry that spirit of operational excellence into any field they pursue.鈥�