Lessons learned from the first stage of nuclear plant construction and operation are now driving the development of new ultra-safe, economical power plant designs. Nuclear engineering graduates contribute to this progress through careers with electric utilities, plant manufacturers, architect- engineering firms, national laboratories and engineering service companies. Fusion power is also being pursued in order to tap the unlimited potential of thermonuclear energy for producing electricity. This is a very difficult problem which will take many years to solve, but success will provide tremendous benefits to society. Graduate nuclear engineers contribute to this effort in research teams at national laboratories and universities.
Ionizing radiation is and always has been a natural part of our environment.
However, modern technology results in high concentrations of radioactivity in certain locations. The public must be protected by containment, isolation and shielding. The branch of nuclear engineering that deals with this problem is called radiological engineering or health physics. Nuclear engineering graduates serve this need in all branches of science, industry and medicine where radioactive materials are involved. Like most activities that enhance the quality of life, nuclear-related activities result in waste.