As the energy landscape evolves, the need for efficient and safe nuclear power operations becomes increasingly pressing. Lauren Fortier, a PhD student at MIT’s Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering, is at the forefront of this transformation, developing protocols for the autonomous control of nuclear plants.
Background and Experience
Fortier’s journey into nuclear engineering began with her undergraduate studies in materials science and engineering at Northwestern University, where she participated in the ROTC program. Her practical experience as a nuclear plant operator on a U.S. aircraft carrier in the South China Sea provided her with unique insights into the operational challenges of nuclear energy. This experience sparked her interest in improving the manual-intensive processes prevalent in current nuclear operations.
Transitioning to Academia
Recognizing the limitations of manual operations, Fortier pursued a master’s degree at MIT, focusing on nuclear engineering. Her master’s research involved developing a supervisory control system for nuclear plants, utilizing simulations to inform real-world applications. This foundational work laid the groundwork for her current doctoral research, which aims to address the transition to autonomous operations in nuclear facilities.
Collaborative Research Efforts
Fortier’s doctoral research is characterized by significant collaborations, particularly with the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and Westinghouse. These partnerships have allowed her to integrate insights from human factors engineering into her work, enhancing the design of human-machine interfaces necessary for effective autonomous operations. Her research advisor, Sacit Cetiner, and co-advisor, Anuradha Annaswamy, have provided critical guidance in control systems, further enriching her academic experience.
Systematic Approach to Autonomy
Fortier emphasizes a gradual approach to automation, aiming to build trust among users by introducing automated procedures that mirror existing manual processes. Her work employs finite state automata for automation, which offers transparency in operations, contrasting with AI-driven methods that may lack validation tools. This approach is intended to ensure that the automation framework is reliable and adaptable to varying conditions within the plant.
Fortier’s contributions to nuclear plant automation have garnered recognition, including winning the 2025 Innovations in Nuclear Energy Research and Development Student Competition. Her ongoing research is poised to play a crucial role in the deployment of commercial microreactors, potentially reshaping the nuclear energy sector.
This article was produced by NeonPulse.today using human and AI-assisted editorial processes, based on publicly available information. Content may be edited for clarity and style.
Original source: news.mit.edu
