Nuclear Outreach Program for High School Teachers
Tuesday, July 14
Good morning, everyone. Thank you for that warm introduction, Seungjin.
I’d like to start by extending a special welcome to the high school teachers who have traveled from across Indiana and around the country to join us. I’d also like to welcome our colleagues from the U.S. Department of Energy; the state of Indiana; our partner universities; national laboratories; community colleges; industry; and, of course, our Purdue faculty and staff.
A special thank you to Seungjin and everyone who helped organize this workshop. Programs like this happen when people from many organizations share a commitment to preparing the next generation.
Over the next three days, you’ll hear from national and state leaders about the future of nuclear energy. You’ll tour a groundbreaking research reactor. You’ll participate in hands-on laboratory experiences. You’ll learn about reactor physics, cybersecurity, digital twins, and the newest advances in nuclear engineering.
That interdisciplinary approach is something Purdue understands well. One of the great strengths of our College of Engineering is that we bring experts from many fields together to solve problems that no single discipline can solve alone. Whether it's mechanical, electrical, civil, materials, chemical, computer, or nuclear engineering, innovation happens at the intersections.
That philosophy is reflected in the work happening here on campus. We’re spearheading research supporting the resurgence of nuclear power to meet rapidly growing energy demand. Purdue leads a $6 million U.S. Department of Energy-supported consortium focused on revitalizing critical nuclear research infrastructure for advanced reactors and small modular reactors, or SMRs. Through partnerships with universities, national laboratories, community colleges, and industry, we're modernizing numerous facilities. Facilities like PUR-1, the first and only reactor licensed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to operate a fully digital control and safety system. And facilities like PUMA, Purdue's one-of-its-kind powerhouse for testing advanced reactor and SMR safety. All while advancing research in digital twins, advanced reactor controls, and cybersecurity.
But the success of every major technological transition eventually comes down to whether we have talented people prepared to lead it. Purdue is addressing the nuclear talent gap – truly an opportunity – by launching the nation’s first online SMR credential program; leading a $3.2 million modular safety training initiative; and integrating its digital-twin reactor to cross-train traditional engineers, students, and skilled tradespeople. But we can’t do it alone. That's why your role as educators is so important.
When you return to your classrooms, you’ll carry with you new knowledge, new ideas, and new enthusiasm that will reach hundreds — perhaps thousands — of students over the course of your careers. That multiplier effect is extraordinary, and it’s exactly why programs like this matter.
During our workshop, I encourage you to connect with researchers from Purdue, MIT, NC State, and Ivy Tech. Hear perspectives from leaders in government, national laboratories, and industry. Together, those attending represent the entire nuclear ecosystem — from K-12 classrooms to higher education, research, workforce development, public policy, and private industry. Purdue is proud to help these communities collaborate.
And that brings me back to you. You may be the first to connect what your students are learning in science or math to real-world challenges that affect communities, industries, and the future of our nation. You may be the teacher who sparks a student’s lifelong interest in engineering.
Some of your students may eventually come to Purdue. Others will pursue pathways through community colleges, apprenticeships, or other universities represented here this week.
Thank you for spending the next few days with us, and thank you for everything you do for your students. I hope you have an engaging and inspiring workshop. Welcome to Purdue, and as we say here, Boiler Up!
Thank you for your leadership, Seungjin. I’ll turn it back over to you.