In this episode of Advanced Nuclear, Dr. Jess Gehin from Idaho National Laboratory explores the transformative moment nuclear energy is experiencing today. From recent executive orders accelerating nuclear initiatives to groundbreaking projects like mobile microreactors, Dr. Gehin explains why advanced reactors are critical for America’s energy future and national security. Discover the historical roots of nuclear innovation, the current surge in deployment efforts, and how these advancements are shaping a more resilient, sustainable, and secure energy landscape.

Dr. Jess Gehin is Associate Laboratory Director for Idaho National Laboratory’s Nuclear Science & Technology Directorate. With nearly three decades of experience, he has led national strategies for nuclear energy, directed complex projects, and advanced deployment of innovative reactors. Jess previously served as Chief Scientist for INL and National Technical Director for DOE’s Microreactor Program, spearheading initiatives like Project Pele and MARVEL. Before INL, he held leadership roles at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and directed the Consortium for Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors. A Fellow of the American Nuclear Society, Jess holds degrees in nuclear engineering from Kansas State University and MIT and has authored over 120 technical publications.

In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear podcast, host Dominique Cooper engages with Dr. Todd Allen, a nuclear engineering professor at the University of Michigan, to discuss the current state and future of nuclear energy. They explore the complexities of nuclear deployment, including the need for community trust, regulatory frameworks, and innovative approaches to waste management. Dr. Allen emphasizes the importance of integrating societal considerations into nuclear technology development and highlights the role of community engagement in fostering acceptance. The conversation also touches on the challenges of the innovation pipeline and the necessity for collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the successful deployment of advanced nuclear technologies.

Kevin Kong, founder and CEO of Everstar, discusses the transformative potential of AI in the nuclear industry. He explores how digital twins and advanced simulations can accelerate regulatory processes, making nuclear energy more accessible and efficient. Kevin shares his vision for a future where AI and nuclear power drive innovation, addressing current bottlenecks and paving the way for sustainable energy solutions.

Join us as we delve into the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of technology and energy.

Kevin Kong is the CEO and Founder of Everstar, a company using advanced artificial intelligence to accelerate nuclear deployment. Drawing on his background in engineering leadership and AI development, Kevin is focused on transforming how nuclear projects are planned, approved, and built, reducing regulatory timelines from years to months.

Before founding Everstar, he served as CTO and Co-Founder of Hyperquery, an AI collaboration platform backed by Khosla Ventures, and as Head of Engineering at Bird, where he led large-scale software and hardware initiatives. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Harvard University.

Host, Dominique Cooper, welcomes Braden Stover on this episode. They explore the potential economic impact of Tennessee's leadership in energy innovation, particularly through the deployment of small modular reactors. It highlights the limitless opportunities for job creation and workforce development that could arise from this initiative.

Braden Stover, Chief Policy Officer at the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development (TNECD). In his role, he leads policy development, supports Tennessee’s nuclear and advanced-energy investment strategy, and helps position the state as a national leader in next-generation nuclear technologies, supply chain innovation, and workforce development. Braden has been deeply involved in Tennessee’s Nuclear Energy Advisory Council and the state’s efforts to build a competitive advanced nuclear ecosystem. He brings insight on how policy, industry, and innovation must converge to meet today’s energy and national-security challenges.

In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear podcast, host Jim Howe speaks with Joe Miller, President of Government Operations at BWX Technologies, about the company's essential role in manufacturing nuclear reactors for the U.S. Navy's submarines and aircraft carriers, as well as BWXT's development of advanced reactors and the fuels that power them. In a wide-ranging discussion they cover Project Pele, the importance and benefits of TRISO fuel, the challenges of workforce development, space nuclear propulsion, BWXT's focus on innovation, and the role of AI in advancing nuclear technology. Joe shares insights from his journey from the Nuclear Navy to industry, and highlights BWXT's commitment to meeting America's growing demand for nuclear energy.

In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear podcast, host Jim Howe discusses the critical role of nuclear power in America's energy landscape with guests Ethel Bunch and Jordan Marsh from the Palmetto Nuclear Coalition. They explore South Carolina's significant contributions to nuclear energy, the current status of the VC Summer nuclear plant, the state's efforts to attract new nuclear businesses, and the strong, bipartisan support nuclear power receives from South Carolina's elected leaders. The conversation highlights the importance of legislative support, the essential need for workforce development, and the competitive landscape among states in advancing nuclear power.

In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear podcast, host Jim Howe speaks with Ed Petit de Mange, Senior Director of Fuel Recycling at Oklo, about the company's plans for recycling used nuclear fuel. They discuss the elements of the recycling process, the different recycling technologies available, and Oklo's recent announcement of America's first-of-its-kind commercial recycling facility, to be built in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Ed shares valuable insights on the many benefits of recycling, the importance of collaboration with national labs, how recycled fuel will power Oklo's fast spectrum reactors, and the regulatory landscape surrounding fuel recycling. The conversation highlights the role of advanced nuclear technologies in shaping the future of America's energy security.

In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear Podcast, Stephen Long, CEO of Global Laser Enrichment (GLE), discusses his company's work to bring the next generation of uranium enrichment technology to market. The conversation explores the evolution of enrichment technologies, focusing on the innovative laser-based method that GLE has developed. Steve describes recent advancements in the nuclear fuel supply chain, the significance of GLE's test loop facility in Wilmington, North Carolina -- where actual enrichment is being conducted at demonstration scale -- and the strategic plans for the company's Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility. He emphasizes the importance of cost competitiveness, regulatory compliance, and partnerships in the nuclear industry, while also addressing nonproliferation safeguards and the future of nuclear innovation.

In his role, Steve is responsible for providing strategic, operational, and project leadership of GLE, including the management of GLE’s day-day operations and delivery of the company’s technology development and commercialization objectives. Steve also serves as the Senior Management Official on the company’s independent Board of Managers.

Prior to joining GLE, Steve spent over thirteen years with GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) and Global Nuclear Fuel (GNF) in a variety of global project, commercial, and business leadership roles. Most recently, Steve served as the Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development for GEH, where he was instrumental in advancing GEH and GNF’s interests and securing partnerships in the emerging small modular reactor and advanced nuclear fuel market segments.

Steve began his career as a Submarine Warfare Officer and Naval Nuclear Propulsion Engineer in the United States Navy, where he was repeatedly recognized as one of the Navy’s top junior officers over his eight years of service. He holds a B.S. in Systems Engineering from the United States Naval Academy, an M.S. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and an M.B.A. from the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler School of Business.