Webinar Description
Hosted by: ACerS Energy Materials and Systems Division and ACerS Greater Missouri Section
Friday, February 13, 2026; 3:00–4:00 p.m. Eastern US time
Sponsored by the ACerS Energy Materials and Systems Division and the ACerS Greater Missouri Section, the February webinar will feature one speaker: Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactors – A Missouri Perspective
Description
Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactors – A Missouri Perspective
There is a lot of excitement about nuclear energy today as it brings the potential for significant gains in electricity generating capacity while dramatically simultaneously providing robust resilience and desirable cleanness. Advanced reactor technology also enables fuel production for transportation and high temperature heat for industrial processes. While it is arguably desirable to deploy new nuclear reactors quickly, there are a number of serious challenges to be overcome in a short period of time to meet the needs. These challenges are spread among public acceptance, governmental policy, and technical issues. Each of these challenges will be discussed using Missouri as a typical state trying to come to grips with how to go forward. Future needs and concerns will also be addressed and a vision for the near future presented.
Biography
Joseph W. Newkirk, Founding Chair and Professor of the Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science Department at Missouri S&T
Joseph W. Newkirk is the Founding Chair and Professor of the Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science Department at Missouri S&T. He is also an Associated Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering, has a courtesy appointment in the Material Science & Engineering department, and is also a Research Investigator in both the Materials Research Center and the Center for Aerospace Manufacturing Technologies. He is a Fellow of ASM International and Alpha Sigma Mu. His education includes a BS (1977) and MS (1979) in Physics from Miami University and a PhD (1983) in Materials Science from the University of Virginia.
Research interests include workforce development and the societal impact of technology and energy, integrated energy systems, additive manufacturing, and nuclear and aerospace materials. He served for thirty-six years as a Professor in Materials Science & Engineering before joining the Nuclear Engineering department. Prior to joining the faculty at Missouri S&T he was a Research Scientist in the Major Analytical Instrumentation Center at the University of Florida (1983-1987) and a Research Engineer at the Homer Research Laboratories of the Bethlehem Steel Corporation (1981-1983).
He has over 200 technical papers and been awarded two US Patents with two patents pending; edited six books and contributed eight chapters to other technical handbooks and publications. He has been awarded several Faculty Research and Service Awards. He has graduated over 40 graduate students and introduced over 50 undergraduates to research.
Registration
ACerS member: no cost
ACerS GGRN and Material Advantage student member: no cost
Non-member: no cost
Non-member student: no cost
If you have any questions, please contact Vicki Evans.
This webinar is brought to you by the ACerS Energy Materials and Systems Division and the ACerS Greater Missouri Section.
To view past ACerS webinars, click here.
