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Scott Vance
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory |
Event Info
Title: Nuclear Nonproliferation: How to do Science in a Policy World
Date: Sept 21, 2009
Location: 3105 Etcheverry Hall
Time: 4-5pm
Abstract
Everyone knows that there are “hard sciences” and “soft sciences.” Individuals who pursue careers in Physics and Engineering have little use for classes in human psychology and international relations – and vice-versa. But, what happens when a particular career requires BOTH an understanding of a technical field and human interaction and relationships? In his talk, Scott Vance, a Senior Advisor at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, will discuss the interesting and compelling field of nuclear non-proliferation. He will describe the reasons that an appreciation for both “hard” and “soft” sciences is essential to be effective in this field and describe the array of professional career choices available. In addition, he will describe the Nonproliferation Graduate Fellowship Program, a rewarding opportunity for technical graduate students with career interests in nonproliferation and international security.
Speaker Biography
Scott Vance, a Senior Advisor at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, has worked for over 20 years in the area of nuclear policy. After graduating with a Master’s Degree in Nuclear Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Technology and Policy from MIT, he went to the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Washington, where he was involved in regulatory analysis and development, contractual implementation, and safeguards and security related to the national radioactive waste management program. He was a key developer of the first Safeguards and Security Plan, Material Control and Accounting Plan, and Spent Nuclear Fuel Verification Plan for the Civilian Radioactive Waste Management System. After 12 years, Scott became a Nuclear Regulatory Specialist for a large law firm in Washington, DC, where he provided technical assistance to nuclear attorneys. While at the law firm, Scott obtained his JD in Regulatory Law from George Mason University. After seven years at the law firm, Scott became a Nuclear Licensing Attorney for the Tennessee Valley Authority, where he focused on regulatory compliance and licensing activities at TVA’s nuclear generating facilities. Scott is now back at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, where he is focusing on regulatory and legal issues associated with the US efforts to limit the spread of nuclear weapons and properly safeguard nuclear material. Scott is Vice President of the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management, an international professional organization that works to ensure that all nuclear materials are appropriately safeguarded and accounted so that they are used for only peaceful purposes.
