The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s American Nuclear Society (ANS) student chapter will host its inaugural “Huskers Go Nuclear” conference on Monday, March 30, 2026, bringing together leaders from industry, academia and government to discuss the future of nuclear energy and technology.
The conference will take place 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Wick Alumni Center in Lincoln and is designed to connect students with professionals working across the nuclear sector. Organizers say the event reflects growing interest among students in nuclear engineering, advanced energy systems and national energy security. Both breakfast and lunch will be provided.
The conference is organized by the UNL American Nuclear Society student chapter, which was established in 2025 as the first ANS student section in Nebraska. The chapter aims to expand opportunities for students interested in nuclear science, engineering and policy through professional engagement, technical events and industry partnerships.
Throughout the day, speakers from universities, energy companies and nuclear organizations will discuss topics including nuclear reactor technology, advanced manufacturing, nuclear policy, and spent fuel management. Sessions will also explore emerging technologies such as small modular reactors and the role of nuclear energy in future clean energy systems.
Confirmed speakers include:
• Joy Eakin, NuTech Ventures — Nuclear innovation in Nebraska, including technology commercialization, intellectual property, and entrepreneurship in the nuclear sector.
• Kristen Gottschalk, Advanced Nuclear Coalition — The current status of nuclear energy in Nebraska and the role of grassroots education and policy advocacy in expanding nuclear development.
• Khalil Dia and Andrew Eskins, Nebraska Public Power District — Nuclear reactors.
• Yongfeng Lu, University of Nebraska–Lincoln — Advanced materials and manufacturing technologies
• Tim Uehling, Omaha Public Power District — Decommissioning of Fort Calhoun Nuclear Station, including spent nuclear fuel management.
• Seunghee Kim, University of Nebraska–Lincoln — Engineering approaches to spent nuclear fuel disposal, including the engineered barrier system used in geologic repositories.
• Jan Bostelman, Bostleman Inc. — Small module reactor technologies and advancements in nuclear energy.
• Bai Cui, University of Nebraska–Lincoln — Research in nuclear materials and advanced manufacturing techniques.
Additional speakers from TerraPower and Orano are also expected to participate.
In addition to speaker sessions, the conference will feature networking opportunities, a graduate student poster competition and discussions designed to connect students with professionals working across the nuclear field.
Organizers say the conference is intended for a wide audience including UNL students and faculty, industry professionals, Department of Energy national laboratory researchers, and state and federal policymakers interested in nuclear energy development and innovation.
The conference is being organized by students in the UNL American Nuclear Society chapter. The student organizing committee includes Adam Algahimi, Alex Rien, Wyatt Schnase, Delaney Knight, Austin Lavigne, Adam Reinhard and Tannor McColly, with faculty advising from Dr. Bai Cui, professor of mechanical and materials engineering.
By coordinating speakers from industry, academia and government, the student team aims to create new opportunities for students to engage directly with leaders shaping the future of nuclear technology while establishing what they hope will become an annual conference at the university.
Interested students, faculty and staff can RSVP for the event in the attached website link, or contact the committee at ansnebraska@gmail.com. Graduate students interested in participating in the poster fair can contact Dr. Bai Cui at bcui@unl.edu.
More details at: https://forms.gle/BNXWmaFVQXTJhwCk7