Teaching wicked problems in nuclear technology, policy, and society
Nuclear Technology, Policy, and Society (NERS 490) gives students the skills needed to address some of the field’s most challenging issues.
Nuclear Technology, Policy, and Society (NERS 490), a course taught by Assistant Professor Aditi Verma in the Winter 2023 and 2024 terms, is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address some of the most complex and challenging issues facing the development of next-generation nuclear technologies. These issues, often referred to as ‘wicked problems,’ span a range of political, economic, ethical, and environmental dimensions and require innovative, multidisciplinary approaches for their resolution.
Related Reading
Verma examines NERS 490 in her new paper published in Frontiers in Nuclear Engineering.
“As technology developers and policymakers work on advancing nuclear fission and fusion technologies, there is a strong expectation that these innovations will significantly contribute to the decarbonization of global energy systems,” said Prof. Aditi Verma, who designed and taught the Winter 2024 installment of the course. “However, beyond the technical hurdles, numerous intricate and interrelated problems must be tackled. These ‘wicked problems,’ as defined by Rittel and Weber (1973), are inherently difficult to define and solve due to their complex nature and the varied perspectives of different communities, organizations, and institutions.”
Verma designed the course to foster a multidisciplinary learning environment where students from various backgrounds can collaborate and engage in critical thinking. It emphasizes active learning through case studies, project-based assignments, and interactive discussions. By bridging theoretical concepts with practical applications, the course aims to prepare future engineers to navigate and shape the complex landscape of nuclear technology policy and societal impact.
“The course gives such a fascinating view of the development of nuclear technology and human behavior, that I would recommend it for all engineering or tech policy students,” said Sebastian Lecha, a NERS graduate student. “Not only does the class cover nuclear history, but it also challenges the class to think critically about its future. The class encourages open discussion, and Professor Verma does a wonderful job providing insight to her students.”
This course not only serves as an educational tool for students but also provides valuable insights for instructors looking to develop similar programs. Moreover, non-academic nuclear engineers may find in this course a language and framework to articulate and reflect on the challenges they face in their professional practice.
Applying Verma’s Methods
Verma examines the course in her new paper published in Frontiers in Nuclear Engineering: “Reckoning with the wicked problems of nuclear technology: Philosophy, design, and pedagogical method underlying a course on Nuclear Technology, Policy, and Society”. The paper details the philosophy behind the course’s design, focusing on a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving. This involves guiding students through real-world problem-solving processes and considering the broader implications of their solutions. It also serves as a guide for other instructors who might want to develop similar courses. It also offers non-academic nuclear engineers a way to articulate and reflect on the nature of the problems they encounter in their professional practice.
Project Showcase
The course was offered for the first time in Winter 2023. As part of the second offering in Winter 2024, students were tasked with examining a problem at the intersection of nuclear technology, policy, and society through the lens of storytelling and play.
This offering of NERS 490 culminated in a project showcase held on April 22, 2024, in the Cooley Building. This event featured an array of captivating student projects, each delving into different facets of nuclear engineering and radiation sciences. While there were no formal presentations, attendees were encouraged to explore the sixteen diverse projects at their leisure. The students’ projects spanned topics such as nuclear technology, public perception, environmental impact, and workforce challenges.
“The final term project brings a much-needed creative element to an otherwise computation-heavy curriculum,” said Lecha. “I was able to rekindle my passion for sculpture while doing my research on the interconnectedness of the military with technological development.”
“Through the NERS 490 project showcase, I was able to engage with societal problems involving nuclear in such a unique and different way than that which I was accustomed to,” said Tessa Maurer. “I learned quite a bit through creating my showcase project, but especially from seeing everyone else’s projects! I would highly recommend this class to any other nuclear engineering student interested in the broader social impacts of our work.”
Included below are short descriptions of the student projects:
Sebastian Lecha: Created a striking 3D-printed installation of the Titan II rocket, highlighting its historical significance and role in space exploration.
Eric Dubbert: Presented a thought-provoking short film illustrating how futures thinking can inspire us to strive for a more promising nuclear future.
Tessa Maurer: Crafted an interactive ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ book, putting readers in the shoes of a secret agent tasked with altering the course of history to prevent a nuclear apocalypse.
Carly Evans: Produced a pseudo-encyclopedia examining popular media portrayals of NERS, offering insights from a surface-level perspective.
Sienna Fratila: Designed a board game addressing the complex issue of nuclear waste disposal and storage, allowing players to navigate through various scenarios.
Giuliano Fonte Basso: Utilized visual aids to showcase the evolution and global impact of the nuclear industry, challenging perceptions of its size and reach.
Ethan Polselli: Presented visual representations of innovative approaches to resolving reactor financing challenges, emphasizing cost reduction and renewable energy integration.
Hangyu Li: Explored alternative futures for Fukushima through a timeline plotting activity, inviting participants to envision potential trajectories beyond the disaster.
Ikhwan Khaleb: Produced a documentary-style video examining the adoption of nuclear power in Malaysia, shedding light on its implications and challenges.
Lydia Frasz: Created a video exploring public perceptions of nuclear technology, offering insights into societal attitudes and concerns.
Allison Cale: Developed a table-top role-playing game exploring the long-term impacts of nuclear activities, encouraging players to consider deep-time consequences.
Tim DeFranco: Presented a visual media piece focusing on workforce development and the challenges faced by employees and contractors in the nuclear sector.
Leo Tunkle: Designed a card game exploring the effects of nuclear technologies on Indigenous communities, raising awareness of their unique challenges and perspectives.
Marcus Missirlian: Crafted a card game centered around building nuclear power capacity, incorporating events and international trade dynamics.
Abdullah Sinjlawi: Produced a brochure aimed at raising awareness among nuclear plant workers about the importance of adhering to security protection procedures to mitigate risks.
Joseph Kopke: Authored a short story targeting younger audiences, taking readers on a futuristic adventure through a nuclear research complex in a post-apocalyptic world.
Each project offered a unique lens through which to explore the multifaceted world of nuclear engineering and radiation sciences, showcasing the creativity and innovation of the students involved.
Next Installment
The next installment of NERS 490 will be offered in Winter 2025. Students will explore a broad spectrum of challenges at the intersection of technology, policy, and society from a diverse set of perspectives and conceptual frameworks, engage with new case studies and workshops, develop their own projects, gain hands-on experience in addressing contemporary issues such as advanced reactor designs, the global landscape of nuclear non-proliferation, and innovative approaches to nuclear waste management. Like its predecessor, this iteration will also feature guest lectures from leading experts in the field, providing diverse perspectives and important insights. With a strong emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration and practical problem-solving, the course aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate and influence the future of nuclear technology in a rapidly changing world.