Automating the Atom: How Lauren Fortier is Transforming Nuclear Plant Operations

For nuclear energy to secure its place as a viable, clean energy source, it must be both economically sustainable and competitively priced. One of the primary hurdles to achieving this is the high level of manual labor currently required to operate nuclear plants. Lauren Fortier, a doctoral student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), is working to solve this problem by developing systems for remote operation and autonomous control of nuclear facilities.

From the South China Sea to the Lab

Fortier’s approach to automation isn’t just theoretical; it’s rooted in direct operational experience. After earning an undergraduate degree in materials science and engineering from Northwestern University via an ROTC scholarship, Fortier served as a naval nuclear operator. While supervising nuclear plant operations on a U.S. Aircraft carrier in the South China Sea, she experienced firsthand the absolute reliance on nuclear power for maritime mobility.

During her time in the Navy, Fortier identified a significant inefficiency: many plant operations were extremely manually intensive. This realization sparked her interest in whether these processes could be streamlined through automation to reduce human workload and improve efficiency.

Bridging Operations and Academia

Leveraging an opportunity from the Navy to pursue advanced studies, Fortier transitioned into the academic realm at MIT, specializing in nuclear engineering. This move allowed her to apply her practical operational knowledge to technical research. During her Master’s degree, she developed a supervisory control system designed for nuclear plant operations, utilizing a simulator featuring a strong thermal hydraulic response.

Now a second-year doctoral student in the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering (NSE), Fortier continues to focus on facilitating autonomous control to craft nuclear energy more economical to produce.

Industry Innovation and Recognition

Fortier’s research extends beyond the classroom and into national laboratories. She completed an internship at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), where she worked on a nuclear power plant operation automation program. Her ability to combine reactor operating procedures with programming has contributed to innovations aimed at increasing cost efficiency in the sector.

Her contributions to the field have earned professional acclaim, including an Award of Excellence for her research titled “Autonomous Operations for Advanced Reactors,” which focused on reactor development and plant optimization (via LinkedIn).

Key Takeaways: The Path to Autonomous Nuclear Power

• Economic Necessity: Automation is essential to make nuclear energy competitively priced and economically viable.
• Operational Insight: Real-world experience in the U.S. Navy highlighted the need to reduce manually intensive plant operations.
• Technical Implementation: Research focuses on supervisory control systems and autonomous operations for advanced reactors.
• Cross-Sector Collaboration: Integration of academic research from MIT and practical application at the Idaho National Laboratory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is automation critical for nuclear energy?

Automation helps reduce the manual intensity of plant operations, which can lower operational costs and make nuclear power a more economically competitive clean energy source.

What is the goal of Lauren Fortier’s research?

Her perform focuses on facilitating remote operation and autonomous control of nuclear plants to improve efficiency and reduce the reliance on manual processes.

Where has Lauren Fortier applied her automation research?

Fortier has applied her expertise through her doctoral studies at MIT and during an internship at the Idaho National Laboratory, where she worked on automation programs for nuclear power plant operations.

The Future of Nuclear Control

The transition from manual to autonomous operation represents a pivotal shift in nuclear engineering. By integrating supervisory control systems and optimizing reactor development, researchers like Lauren Fortier are paving the way for a more efficient, cost-effective, and scalable clean energy infrastructure.