Stickers made by U nuclear technology students and faculty proudly state: “We survived the ABC Terrorist Attack.”
The Center for Excellence in Nuclear Technology, Engineering and Research, (the CENTER) has displayed these custom-made stickers since the airing of ABC’s “Primetime” report on its nuclear-powered research reactor last month.
CENTER officials say they were falsely accused of having poor security regulations.
“When I watched the show at home, I was shocked because I saw so much misinformation,” said Melinda Krahenbuhl, research associate professor. “I’m more appalled now because ABC is still standing by (its) story. They have to come out with the truth.”
According to the ABC report, the U’s reactor has inadequate security, making it vulnerable for terrorists to attempt an attack-even gain enough access to build a “dirty bomb.”
“It is impossible for anyone to make a bomb out of our reactor,” said Dong-Ok Choe, assistant professor in research said. “It was built specifically for students to learn on, so it has to be completely foolproof.”
John Bess, a nuclear engineering student since 2003 said, “They build the reactor this way because they know students will push the wrong button sometimes.”
One myth surrounding nuclear reactors is that they pose a potential hazard because they contain radiation.
Krahenbuhl said that the 100-kilowatt reactor is only capable of powering a small truck engine and produces an amount of waste so small that it only has to be emptied every four or five years.
“This reactor is pretty much harmless,” said Brian Harper, nuclear engineering research assistant. “In order to get any significant amount of radiation, you would have to camp out and practically live here.”
As far as the department’s reputation being damaged by ABC’s report, the faculty and students said they aren’t concerned.
“Truly interested students know the facts, especially those who have worked with the reactor one-on-one.” Krahenbuhl said. “I just want the story to be straightened out so we can get back to our regular jobs.”
Bess said he knows it is a secure facility.
“It’s one of the greatest learning environments I’ve had because I feel extremely safe, even with the reactor being next door,” he said.