Official Newsletter of the
State of Texas Chapter of the Health Physics Society
State of Texas Chapter of the Health Physics Society
In this issue . . .
• New Series: Impact of COVID-19 on Radiation Safety Programs
• STC Involvement in Texas Science and Engineering Fair (TxSEF)
• Annual Campus Safety Health and Environmental Management Association (CSHEMA) meeting recap
• HPS Chapter Volunteer Award – John Hageman
• 2021 HPS Annual Meeting Summary
• Recap of the April 2021 STC-HPS meeting
• Minutes of the May 2021 STC Executive Council Meeting
• Minutes of the September 2021 STC Executive Council Meeting
• New Series: Impact of COVID-19 on Radiation Safety Programs
• STC Involvement in Texas Science and Engineering Fair (TxSEF)
• Annual Campus Safety Health and Environmental Management Association (CSHEMA) meeting recap
• HPS Chapter Volunteer Award – John Hageman
• 2021 HPS Annual Meeting Summary
• Recap of the April 2021 STC-HPS meeting
• Minutes of the May 2021 STC Executive Council Meeting
• Minutes of the September 2021 STC Executive Council Meeting
New Series:
Impact of COVID-19 on Radiation Safety Programs
By: Otu Inyang, DrPH, MBA
Since March 2020 in the US, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our personal and professional domains, and radiation safety programs were no exception. A recent International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conference roundtable discussion highlighted challenges to the operational capabilities of nuclear and related facilities. Travel restrictions affected transportation of essential resources to nuclear industries and maintenance operations thereof. Higher number of radiological exams related to diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 patients subjected both patients and medical professionals to radiation exposure. Facility access restrictions and budget reductions resulted in a reduction in regulatory activities (Willis, 2020).
Although the pandemic still presents ongoing challenges, radiation safety program personnel have demonstrated innovation and resilience to ensure the demands of their stakeholders and clients are met. From staggered shifts, remote working, social distancing and implementation of robust hygiene practices, patient and personnel safety and, security of nuclear materials were not compromised. Radiation Safety Officers (RSOs) have not only survived regulatory and operational demands but have found ways to thrive amidst challenging fiscal and staffing environments during this pandemic.
In the next few issues, The Billet will share insights from Chapter RSOs. We hope you find their insights useful. In this issue, Tracy Tipping, Health Physicist with the Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory (NETL) at the University of Austin and former STC-HPS President, shares how his facility responded to the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to further the mission of NETL.
How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact your Radiation Safety Program?
NETL has several "essential" missions. As a result, NETL never shut down. We adjusted staffing to maintain a primary staff to come in daily to operate the facility with a backup staff working from home so that if the primary staff had to go into quarantine, the backup staff would come in to continue operating the facility. To cover all the required duties, the reduced staff performed the essential parts of their primary job along with essential parts of other staff that were not located on site.
What adjustments were made to keep operational activities ongoing and maintain compliance oversight?
Since university administration unilaterally forbid students to come on site, we lost our part-time student technicians. As a result, I had to take over additional work (e.g. surveys, calibrations, etc.).
How were regulatory agency inspections (if any) handled during that period?
NETL has a USNRC license. Our inspections continued on schedule with accommodations for social distancing and COVID exposure control.
Were there other operational challenges and innovative ways they were addressed that you would like to share?
NETL has a relatively small staff. So, we are used to lending a hand to other staff when a need arises. But due to the significantly reduced staff allowed to come on site, many staff members learned and performed new skills in order to cover all the required duties.
The TRIGA Nuclear Reactor of the Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory (NETL) at the University of Texas at Austin went critical at 10 kW. Since then, it has continued to serve the mission of:
References:
Willis, C. (2020, November 23). International experts discuss: What can radiation protection learn from the COVID-19 pandemic? IAEA. Retrieved October 11, 2021, from https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/international-experts-discuss-what-can-radiation-protection-learn-from-the-covid-19-pandemic.
___________________
This column, called “Impact of COVID-19 on Radiation Safety Programs-STCHPS Perspective,” presents a series of questions and answers from STC-HPS institutional Radiation Safety Officers on COVID-19 program impacts. If you would like to participate in this column, please contact the STC=HPS Editorial Team at [email protected].
Since March 2020 in the US, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our personal and professional domains, and radiation safety programs were no exception. A recent International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conference roundtable discussion highlighted challenges to the operational capabilities of nuclear and related facilities. Travel restrictions affected transportation of essential resources to nuclear industries and maintenance operations thereof. Higher number of radiological exams related to diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 patients subjected both patients and medical professionals to radiation exposure. Facility access restrictions and budget reductions resulted in a reduction in regulatory activities (Willis, 2020).
Although the pandemic still presents ongoing challenges, radiation safety program personnel have demonstrated innovation and resilience to ensure the demands of their stakeholders and clients are met. From staggered shifts, remote working, social distancing and implementation of robust hygiene practices, patient and personnel safety and, security of nuclear materials were not compromised. Radiation Safety Officers (RSOs) have not only survived regulatory and operational demands but have found ways to thrive amidst challenging fiscal and staffing environments during this pandemic.
In the next few issues, The Billet will share insights from Chapter RSOs. We hope you find their insights useful. In this issue, Tracy Tipping, Health Physicist with the Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory (NETL) at the University of Austin and former STC-HPS President, shares how his facility responded to the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to further the mission of NETL.
How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact your Radiation Safety Program?
NETL has several "essential" missions. As a result, NETL never shut down. We adjusted staffing to maintain a primary staff to come in daily to operate the facility with a backup staff working from home so that if the primary staff had to go into quarantine, the backup staff would come in to continue operating the facility. To cover all the required duties, the reduced staff performed the essential parts of their primary job along with essential parts of other staff that were not located on site.
What adjustments were made to keep operational activities ongoing and maintain compliance oversight?
Since university administration unilaterally forbid students to come on site, we lost our part-time student technicians. As a result, I had to take over additional work (e.g. surveys, calibrations, etc.).
How were regulatory agency inspections (if any) handled during that period?
NETL has a USNRC license. Our inspections continued on schedule with accommodations for social distancing and COVID exposure control.
Were there other operational challenges and innovative ways they were addressed that you would like to share?
NETL has a relatively small staff. So, we are used to lending a hand to other staff when a need arises. But due to the significantly reduced staff allowed to come on site, many staff members learned and performed new skills in order to cover all the required duties.
The TRIGA Nuclear Reactor of the Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory (NETL) at the University of Texas at Austin went critical at 10 kW. Since then, it has continued to serve the mission of:
- Educating the next generation of leaders in nuclear science and engineering.
- Conducting leading research at the forefront of the national and international nuclear community.
- Applying nuclear technology for solving multidisciplinary problems, and
- Providing service to the citizens of Texas, the United States and the international community.
References:
Willis, C. (2020, November 23). International experts discuss: What can radiation protection learn from the COVID-19 pandemic? IAEA. Retrieved October 11, 2021, from https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/international-experts-discuss-what-can-radiation-protection-learn-from-the-covid-19-pandemic.
___________________
This column, called “Impact of COVID-19 on Radiation Safety Programs-STCHPS Perspective,” presents a series of questions and answers from STC-HPS institutional Radiation Safety Officers on COVID-19 program impacts. If you would like to participate in this column, please contact the STC=HPS Editorial Team at [email protected].
STC Involvement in Texas Science and Engineering Fair (TxSEF)
By: Linda Morris, Student Assistance Chair; Latha Vasudevan, Public Relations Chair
The State of Texas Chapter–Health Physics Society (STC–HPS) was one of the few organizations participating at the April 11, 2021, Texas Science & Engineering Fair (TXSEF) that presented special awards. At the virtual ceremony, Junior and Senior Division winners were announced as well as special awards. Linda Morris, who serves as the Central Texas Science & Engineering Fair Director, obtained virtual links to all of the science fair projects and selected The Effects of Curcumin on the Regeneration of D. tigrine Succeeding Exposure to Ionizing Radiation by Zaina Siddiqi and Rostem Ris from the Academy of Science & Technology, The Woodlands TX, as our winner of the special award that our chapter sponsors. Zaina and Rostem each received plaques and $25 checks from the STC as well as a one-year complimentary student membership in the chapter.
Latha Vasudevan was invited to be a Blue Ribbon Judge for TxSEF, who are responsible for reviewing top projects in each category and providing encouragement and constructive criticism during live virtual interviews. Blue Ribbon judges determine the Best in State awards for both the middle and high school divisions, as well as which high school division projects that will advance to the Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF). It was truly an honor for Latha to be invited to be a judge in the senior division in the Life Sciences category. Judges were given access online to view the final projects selected so that they had sufficient familiarization time prior to the interview session. The virtual zoom interview session for students was held on April 10, 2021. The judges met together through zoom and student finalists were introduced one by one. They were given the first five minutes to introduce themselves and to give a brief synopsis of their project. The judges were then given the option of asking questions and scored them based on their presentation and answers. The judges tallied their scores and selected first, second and third place winners. The first place winners advanced to the Regeneron International Fair. Overall, the Texas Science and Engineering virtual Fair was a huge success.
The State of Texas Chapter–Health Physics Society (STC–HPS) was one of the few organizations participating at the April 11, 2021, Texas Science & Engineering Fair (TXSEF) that presented special awards. At the virtual ceremony, Junior and Senior Division winners were announced as well as special awards. Linda Morris, who serves as the Central Texas Science & Engineering Fair Director, obtained virtual links to all of the science fair projects and selected The Effects of Curcumin on the Regeneration of D. tigrine Succeeding Exposure to Ionizing Radiation by Zaina Siddiqi and Rostem Ris from the Academy of Science & Technology, The Woodlands TX, as our winner of the special award that our chapter sponsors. Zaina and Rostem each received plaques and $25 checks from the STC as well as a one-year complimentary student membership in the chapter.
Latha Vasudevan was invited to be a Blue Ribbon Judge for TxSEF, who are responsible for reviewing top projects in each category and providing encouragement and constructive criticism during live virtual interviews. Blue Ribbon judges determine the Best in State awards for both the middle and high school divisions, as well as which high school division projects that will advance to the Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF). It was truly an honor for Latha to be invited to be a judge in the senior division in the Life Sciences category. Judges were given access online to view the final projects selected so that they had sufficient familiarization time prior to the interview session. The virtual zoom interview session for students was held on April 10, 2021. The judges met together through zoom and student finalists were introduced one by one. They were given the first five minutes to introduce themselves and to give a brief synopsis of their project. The judges were then given the option of asking questions and scored them based on their presentation and answers. The judges tallied their scores and selected first, second and third place winners. The first place winners advanced to the Regeneron International Fair. Overall, the Texas Science and Engineering virtual Fair was a huge success.
Annual Campus Safety Health and Environmental Management Association (CSHEMA) meeting recap
By: Erich Fruchtnicht, CHMM, STC-HPS Treasurer
The Campus Safety Health and Environmental Management Association (CSHEMA) hosted its 68th annual conference virtually on Hopin from July 26-28, 2021. Several STC-HPS chapter members attended and/or presented sessions and the meeting was widely viewed as a success.
Otu Inyang from the University of Houston presented a technical session on Quantifying the Influence of Designated Lab Space in which he discussed how Environmental Health Services (EHS) may determine program resources, especially for colleges and universities that have high levels of research activities. The presentation included topics such as: a model to predict staffing and budget resources, results of a recent college and university vital statistics study and a proposed online calculator for estimating EHS staffing and budget with study limitations and future research opportunities.
Dr. Bob Emery from the University of Texas, Health Science Center co-presented a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Task Force Update in which provided attendees with a progress update and solicited input.
Abby Kurwitz and Erich Fruchtnicht from Texas A&M University presented a panel session entitled Leading Student Workers through College and COVID in which they discussed the challenges and impacts of COVID protocol changes, motivation tactics, progress tracking, and demonstrated how productivity remained high.
Erich Fruchtnicht from Texas A&M University co-presented a technical session on From Data Analysis to Injury Mitigation which discussed how workers compensation data was analyzed for trends. The team selected an injury cause of high cost, occurrence, or impact, and then identified mitigation opportunities to prevent similar future incidents.
Many other relevant topics ranging from proper fume hood selection to beryllium exposure events were presented in various technical sessions.
The full agenda is available at the CSHEMA site: cshema.org.
The Campus Safety Health and Environmental Management Association (CSHEMA) hosted its 68th annual conference virtually on Hopin from July 26-28, 2021. Several STC-HPS chapter members attended and/or presented sessions and the meeting was widely viewed as a success.
Otu Inyang from the University of Houston presented a technical session on Quantifying the Influence of Designated Lab Space in which he discussed how Environmental Health Services (EHS) may determine program resources, especially for colleges and universities that have high levels of research activities. The presentation included topics such as: a model to predict staffing and budget resources, results of a recent college and university vital statistics study and a proposed online calculator for estimating EHS staffing and budget with study limitations and future research opportunities.
Dr. Bob Emery from the University of Texas, Health Science Center co-presented a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Task Force Update in which provided attendees with a progress update and solicited input.
Abby Kurwitz and Erich Fruchtnicht from Texas A&M University presented a panel session entitled Leading Student Workers through College and COVID in which they discussed the challenges and impacts of COVID protocol changes, motivation tactics, progress tracking, and demonstrated how productivity remained high.
Erich Fruchtnicht from Texas A&M University co-presented a technical session on From Data Analysis to Injury Mitigation which discussed how workers compensation data was analyzed for trends. The team selected an injury cause of high cost, occurrence, or impact, and then identified mitigation opportunities to prevent similar future incidents.
Many other relevant topics ranging from proper fume hood selection to beryllium exposure events were presented in various technical sessions.
The full agenda is available at the CSHEMA site: cshema.org.
HPS Chapter Volunteer Award – John Hageman
By: Linda Morris, Student Relations Chair
Long-time State of Texas Chapter (STC) member John Hageman will be presented with the national Health Physics Society (HPS) Chapter Volunteer Award at the November 9th meeting of the State of Texas Chapter.
John is being honored for his many contributions to the Chapter, most notably, serving as editor of The Billet since 1983, while he was working at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) in San Antonio. The Nuclear Inspection Division of SwRI donated personnel and the cost of printing and mailing of the Chapter’s newsletter until 2014. He, along with Alana Woods, Elizabeth Branch, and Jean Fox, made The Billet what it is today – the finest example of a Health Physics Society Chapter newsletter. John recently made the decision to step down as editor after 38 years of service. State of Texas Chapter members Scott “Nick” Nichelson and Otu Inyang have become the Executive Editors ably assisted by Alana Woods who remains the Technical Editor as well at the Webmaster.
John has excelled in his health physics career. He has served on the HPS Board of Directors, numerous committees, and in STC leadership positions. He is a Certified Health Physicist, and recently completed his term as the Chair of the Texas Radiation Advisory Board. John has worked as a contractor for the International Atomic Energy Agency, serving across the globe as a radiation protection expert.
The STC-HPS thanks John for his years of service and is pleased to present this award. The Society looks forward to his future contributions to the STC, HPS, and the health physics career field.
Long-time State of Texas Chapter (STC) member John Hageman will be presented with the national Health Physics Society (HPS) Chapter Volunteer Award at the November 9th meeting of the State of Texas Chapter.
John is being honored for his many contributions to the Chapter, most notably, serving as editor of The Billet since 1983, while he was working at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) in San Antonio. The Nuclear Inspection Division of SwRI donated personnel and the cost of printing and mailing of the Chapter’s newsletter until 2014. He, along with Alana Woods, Elizabeth Branch, and Jean Fox, made The Billet what it is today – the finest example of a Health Physics Society Chapter newsletter. John recently made the decision to step down as editor after 38 years of service. State of Texas Chapter members Scott “Nick” Nichelson and Otu Inyang have become the Executive Editors ably assisted by Alana Woods who remains the Technical Editor as well at the Webmaster.
John has excelled in his health physics career. He has served on the HPS Board of Directors, numerous committees, and in STC leadership positions. He is a Certified Health Physicist, and recently completed his term as the Chair of the Texas Radiation Advisory Board. John has worked as a contractor for the International Atomic Energy Agency, serving across the globe as a radiation protection expert.
The STC-HPS thanks John for his years of service and is pleased to present this award. The Society looks forward to his future contributions to the STC, HPS, and the health physics career field.
2021 HPS Annual Meeting Summary
By: Latha Vasudevan, PhD, CHP, STC-HPS Public Relations Chair
The National HPS hosted its 66th annual meeting in Phoenix, AZ, on July 25–29, 2021. The meeting was in a hybrid format, a mix between in-person and virtual participation. Approximately 350 people attended in person, and another 300 attended virtually. Several of our chapter members and affiliates attended in person. Altogether the hybrid meeting was a great success.
Drs. Robert Emery and Janet Gutierrez, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) provided two sessions of Professional Enrichment Program lectures on Contemporary Topics Affecting Radiation Safety Program Operations and were very well received.
Dr. Shaheen Dewji and her students from Texas A&M University presented papers on various topics. These included: Radiation Protection Considerations for High Power Linear Accelerators Used in FLASH Radiotherapy, Hybrid Radiation Transport Methods for Detector Response Modeling of US EPA Superfund Counts Per Minute (CPM) Calculator and Design Concept for Autonomous Robot for Sub-surface Environmental Characterization at Decommissioning Sites.
Dr. Latha Vasudevan chaired the Decommissioning and Decontamination section where Texas A&M students showcased their research. She also presented a special session topic What’s like to be a university HP. Dr. Robert Emory gave a presentation titled Strategic Planning for Early-Career Radiation Safety Professionals: Bridging the Gap to Other Safety Needs.
Four Texas A&M students: Sena Dalak, Autumn Kalinowski, Dmitri Margot and Andrew Rosenstrom received student travel grants, allowing them to travel and participate in the meeting.
Dr. Robert Cherry received the 2021 Founders Award. This award recognizes exceptional service to the Health Physics Society or the health physics profession. The award consisted of a plaque and life time membership in the HPS.
Many of the 2020 awards were also presented in person during this meeting since the 2020 annual meeting was only. Dr. Latha Vasudevan received the 2020 Fellow award pin and the certificate.
The full agenda can be found on the HPS website, www.hps.org.
Some of the photos from the meeting can be seen below.
The National HPS hosted its 66th annual meeting in Phoenix, AZ, on July 25–29, 2021. The meeting was in a hybrid format, a mix between in-person and virtual participation. Approximately 350 people attended in person, and another 300 attended virtually. Several of our chapter members and affiliates attended in person. Altogether the hybrid meeting was a great success.
Drs. Robert Emery and Janet Gutierrez, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) provided two sessions of Professional Enrichment Program lectures on Contemporary Topics Affecting Radiation Safety Program Operations and were very well received.
Dr. Shaheen Dewji and her students from Texas A&M University presented papers on various topics. These included: Radiation Protection Considerations for High Power Linear Accelerators Used in FLASH Radiotherapy, Hybrid Radiation Transport Methods for Detector Response Modeling of US EPA Superfund Counts Per Minute (CPM) Calculator and Design Concept for Autonomous Robot for Sub-surface Environmental Characterization at Decommissioning Sites.
Dr. Latha Vasudevan chaired the Decommissioning and Decontamination section where Texas A&M students showcased their research. She also presented a special session topic What’s like to be a university HP. Dr. Robert Emory gave a presentation titled Strategic Planning for Early-Career Radiation Safety Professionals: Bridging the Gap to Other Safety Needs.
Four Texas A&M students: Sena Dalak, Autumn Kalinowski, Dmitri Margot and Andrew Rosenstrom received student travel grants, allowing them to travel and participate in the meeting.
Dr. Robert Cherry received the 2021 Founders Award. This award recognizes exceptional service to the Health Physics Society or the health physics profession. The award consisted of a plaque and life time membership in the HPS.
Many of the 2020 awards were also presented in person during this meeting since the 2020 annual meeting was only. Dr. Latha Vasudevan received the 2020 Fellow award pin and the certificate.
The full agenda can be found on the HPS website, www.hps.org.
Some of the photos from the meeting can be seen below.
Dr. Dale Klein discussing Fukushima Daiichi Unit one explosion
Science Fair winner Shoumik Roychowdhury presenting his research
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Dr. Dale Klein discussing Fukushima Daiichi Unit one accident progression
Dr. Wesley Bolch presenting the UNSCEAR 2013 Report
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Women in Radiation Protection
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Ruth McBurney at the CRCPD booth
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Latha Vasudevan accepting the 2020 HPS Fellow
Award from President Eric Goldin
Award from President Eric Goldin
Recap of the April 2021 STC-HPS meeting
By: Latha Vasudevan, PhD, CHP, STC-HPS Public Relations Chair
The State of Texas Chapter of the Health Physics Society (STC-HPS) held its spring meeting virtually, via the Zoom platform, on April 24, 2021. Student presentations and a retrospective of Fukushima on its 10th anniversary were the order of the day. There were about 30 attendees.
President-elect Doug Johnson opened the meeting by welcoming the speakers and meeting attendees. Undergraduate student paper presentations kicked off the technical portion of the meeting, followed by graduate student presentations representing Texas A&M University, University of Texas and the University of Florida. As usual, the students showcased their outstanding work in the areas of applied health physics and radiation protection. The high school science fair winner from the Austin Regional Science Festival presented his work entitled Using Artificial Intelligence to reduce MRI Patient Exposure. It was quite encouraging to see the young researcher making an extremely well-prepared presentation reflecting the caliber of future professionals.
Then the focus of the meeting shifted to the Fukushima incident – A decade later. Three invited speakers gave their take from their perspectives. Dr. Dale Klein, former Chair of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and Chair of the Nuclear reform Monitoring Committee of Tokyo Electric Power Company, gave a presentation entitled Update on the Fukushima Daiichi Cleanup - -Deaths from Radiation Remain at Zero while Deaths from the Earthquake and Tsunami are about 20,000. Dr. Wesley Bolch, Distinguished Professor of Biomedical and Radiological Engineering, University of Florida, presented A 2020 UNSCEAR review of the level and effects of radiation exposure following the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Accident. Finally, Dr. Steven Rademacher from the Air Force Safety Center wrapped up the Fukushima discussion with his presentation on Department of Defense (DoD) Aspects of Fukushima Disaster Response, Operation Tomodachi. The interactive discussion on Fukushima nuclear disaster was very well received by the attendees.
President-elect Johnson concluded the meeting by announcing the prize winners. In the undergraduate category, first place went to Christopher Bayne, Texas A&M University; second place went to Justice Stewart, Texas Southern University; and third place went to Alina Ali, Rafael Galvan and Salman Khan, University of Houston-Downtown. In the graduate category, first place went to Camilo Correa Alfonso, University of Florida; second place went to Sean Domal, University of Florida, and third place went to Andrew Rosentrom, Texas A&M University. The winners received cash prizes ranging from $50 to $250.
The STC-HPS extends its appreciation to all the speakers for their outstanding contribution. This meeting wouldn’t have been possible without the help and support of chapter volunteers for which the chapter is truly grateful.
Photos from the meeting (courtesy of Latha Vasudivan) can be seen below.
The State of Texas Chapter of the Health Physics Society (STC-HPS) held its spring meeting virtually, via the Zoom platform, on April 24, 2021. Student presentations and a retrospective of Fukushima on its 10th anniversary were the order of the day. There were about 30 attendees.
President-elect Doug Johnson opened the meeting by welcoming the speakers and meeting attendees. Undergraduate student paper presentations kicked off the technical portion of the meeting, followed by graduate student presentations representing Texas A&M University, University of Texas and the University of Florida. As usual, the students showcased their outstanding work in the areas of applied health physics and radiation protection. The high school science fair winner from the Austin Regional Science Festival presented his work entitled Using Artificial Intelligence to reduce MRI Patient Exposure. It was quite encouraging to see the young researcher making an extremely well-prepared presentation reflecting the caliber of future professionals.
Then the focus of the meeting shifted to the Fukushima incident – A decade later. Three invited speakers gave their take from their perspectives. Dr. Dale Klein, former Chair of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and Chair of the Nuclear reform Monitoring Committee of Tokyo Electric Power Company, gave a presentation entitled Update on the Fukushima Daiichi Cleanup - -Deaths from Radiation Remain at Zero while Deaths from the Earthquake and Tsunami are about 20,000. Dr. Wesley Bolch, Distinguished Professor of Biomedical and Radiological Engineering, University of Florida, presented A 2020 UNSCEAR review of the level and effects of radiation exposure following the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Accident. Finally, Dr. Steven Rademacher from the Air Force Safety Center wrapped up the Fukushima discussion with his presentation on Department of Defense (DoD) Aspects of Fukushima Disaster Response, Operation Tomodachi. The interactive discussion on Fukushima nuclear disaster was very well received by the attendees.
President-elect Johnson concluded the meeting by announcing the prize winners. In the undergraduate category, first place went to Christopher Bayne, Texas A&M University; second place went to Justice Stewart, Texas Southern University; and third place went to Alina Ali, Rafael Galvan and Salman Khan, University of Houston-Downtown. In the graduate category, first place went to Camilo Correa Alfonso, University of Florida; second place went to Sean Domal, University of Florida, and third place went to Andrew Rosentrom, Texas A&M University. The winners received cash prizes ranging from $50 to $250.
The STC-HPS extends its appreciation to all the speakers for their outstanding contribution. This meeting wouldn’t have been possible without the help and support of chapter volunteers for which the chapter is truly grateful.
Photos from the meeting (courtesy of Latha Vasudivan) can be seen below.
Dr. Dale Klein presenting an Update
on the Fukushima Daiichi Cleanup |
Dr. Wesley Bolch presenting A 2020 UNSCEAR review of the level and effects of radiation exposure following the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Accident
|