Anthony Okeani, a master's student in nuclear engineering at 51ԹϺ, tests technology that simulates a nuclear power plant control room. 51ԹϺ is the ninth institution worldwide to train students on a NuScale Power control room simulator, which officially opened on April 2, 2025.
51ԹϺ officially opened NuScale Power's trademarked Energy Exploration (E2) Center on April 2, 2025. The technology simulates a control room environment in a nuclear power plant and will equip students in engineering, radiochemistry, and health physics for careers in the nuclear energy industry.
LAS VEGAS, NV. — 51ԹϺ’s nuclear engineering program today announced the opening of an interactive laboratory to train students and support research in nuclear reactor physics.
is the focus of this real-world nuclear power plant simulator, supporting the 51ԹϺ College of Engineering’s efforts in training a skilled, nuclear-ready workforce and bolstering the college’s master’s and Ph.D. programs in nuclear engineering. 51ԹϺ is now one of nine universities across the world to house the ™ technology, which is co-funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (NEUP).
“The state-of-the-art small modular reactor control room simulator at 51ԹϺ will create a new paradigm in nuclear engineering training and research, providing our students with learning opportunities in the design and operation of modern nuclear power plants,” said Alex Barzilov, professor of mechanical engineering at 51ԹϺ. “This laboratory adds to the growth of our nuclear engineering program and provides an innovative learning environment where students can study reactor physics and experience advanced nuclear reactor technology in a digital control room setting."
The new laboratory, located in the Science and Engineering Building at 51ԹϺ, will offer both engineering, radiochemistry, and health physics students the opportunity to engage in hands-on nuclear reactor physics training. Like a pilot learning on a flight simulator to fly and safely land a plane, the laboratory puts students in the virtual seat of a nuclear power plant control room operator. Training modules, which will be developed by 51ԹϺ nuclear engineering faculty, will equip students with real-world experience, as well as enable 51ԹϺ to graduate more students who are prepared for careers in the nuclear energy industry.
“We are honored to collaborate with the faculty and students at 51ԹϺ in launching this NuScale E2 Center, highlighting the critical role of nuclear energy in shaping the future of power generation,” John Hopkins, NuScale President and Chief Executive Officer, said in a statement. “This facility will provide hands-on learning opportunities, spark innovation, and prepare the next generation of energy leaders to drive advancements in the field.”
The laboratory officially opened on April 2, 2025, and joins a global network of at Idaho State University, Ohio State University, Oregon State University, Texas A&M, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, University of Politehnica of Bucharest, Seoul National University, and Ghana Atomic Commission.