Radiological Risk in Context

Dr. Robert Hayes is an Associate Professor of Nuclear Engineering at North Carolina State University and a joint faculty member at Savannah River National Laboratory. He is a licensed Professional Engineer, a Certified Health Physicist, and a Fellow of both the Health Physics Society and American Physical Society. He also serves as an advisor to the DOE-NNSA and on the NCEES licensure committee.

His presentation will offer a scientific perspective on radiological risk, debunking common myths and placing nuclear energy risks in context with everyday exposures and industrial comparisons. It will cover:

• Natural vs. artificial radiation exposure
• Nuclear fuel cycle and used fuel storage safety
• Historical accident case studies (TMI, Fukushima, Chernobyl)
• Waste transport and disposal frameworks
• The role of public perception in radiological risk
• The case for nuclear alongside renewables