Extensive knowledge and experience in the design, operation, maintenance and associated regulations, codes and standards of commercial boiling water and pressurized water nuclear reactors. Initial training and operating experience gained in the U.S Nuclear Navy as a qualified power plant watch officer and certified nuclear engineer for the Westinghouse A1W pressurizer water reactors. In depth knowledge of commercial nuclear reactor design, operation, accident analysis and regulations gained through 34 years as a U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission inspector and Senior Reactor Analyst. Areas of expertise include:
- NRC Regulations and associated industry codes and standards
- Commercial BWR and PWR plant design, start-up testing, operations, maintenance, modifications, refueling, surveillance testing, emergency response, and transient analysis.
- BWR and PWR probabilistic risk analyses and its application
- Training and development of technical and regulatory course material
Senior Engineer providing nuclear training courses and consulting to developing countries as part of the International Regulatory Partnership (IRDP). Training includes workshops for clients interested in learning inspection and oversight policies, procedures and inspection methods implemented by the USNRC.
Served in a variety of positions including, Resident Inspector, Senior Resident Inspector, Senior Project Engineer, Senior Reactor Analyst, Team Leader, and Branch Chief. As Senior Resident Inspector responsible for the day-to-day oversight and inspection of commercial nuclear reactors (Ginna, Westinghouse 2-loop PWR; Nine Mile Point Uni 1, GE BWR2, Nine Mile Point Unit 2, GE BWR5; FitzPatrick, GE BWR4; Vermont Yankee, GE BWR4), including periodic performance assessments, event follow-up and emergency response, licensing support and public outreach. As a Senior Project Engineer, responsible for oversight and support of multiple resident inspector staffs and the coordination of specialist inspector periodic inspections and performance assessments. As a Senior Reactor Analyst (SRA) since 2005, performed reliability and risk evaluations of nuclear power plant events ad conditions using standardized probabilistic risk analysis models and associated computer software developed by Idaho National Laboratories. Was instrumental in initial development and baseline testing of the Reactor Oversight Program Performance Indicators and development of the Significance Determination Program Appendix M, Non-Risk-Based Performance Deficiency Assessments. As an experienced inspector, SRA and Team Leader, led numerous planned and reactive team inspections associated with plant events/transients and equipment failure investigations. Was responsible for the mentoring and technical training of dozens of resident and specialist inspectors through lectures, on-the-job training, and formal certification scenario-based qualification boards. Was a member of the NRC in-country response team supporting the Tokyo Electric Power Company’s Fukushima Daiichi multi-plant accident response effort; was the NRC lead inspector for oversight and resolution of the Seabrook Alkali-Silica Reaction degradation of reinforced concrete structures, including Agency principal technical spokesperson during several public meetings. ; was team lead or supporting SRA for a number of technical issues including emergency core cooling system suction line gas voiding, turbine driven auxiliary feed water pump failure, dual unit trip and emergency diesel generator failure, and service water pump failures associated with diving operations. Was the technical lead for inspection development and implementation of Post 9/11 mitigation strategies and subsequent FLEX (Diverse and Flexible Coping Strategies) inspections, including training and preparation of the regional staff for site inspections. As a Branch Chief for the Plant Support Branch 2 of the Division of Reactor Safety, Region I, responsible for overseeing the performance of baseline and reactive inspections and technical evaluations in the area of radiological safety (health physics) supervising four Health Physics inspectors and overseeing the Region I Incident Response Center and three emergency response specialists.
Qualified Power Plant Watch Officer (PPWO), Nuclear Engineer and Reactor Controls Division Officer. As PPWO responsible for two reactors and one propulsion plant, including catapult operations. Extensive power plant maintenance, modification and testing experience while CVN-65 was in an extended overall in Bremerton Naval Shipyard, including pre-operational testing and post overall sea trials. Reactor Controls Division Officer responsible for the direct supervision of approximately 100 enlisted Instrumentation and Controls Technicians and Chief Petty Officers overseeing the routine operation, maintenance and testing of eight nuclear reactors. Qualified Plant Engineer via the Naval Reactors certification program prior to completion of tour of duty.
Numerous Performance Awards for Special Acts and Sustained Superior Performance
USNRC Distinguished Service Award 2017
Federal Executive Board Bronze Medalist for Excellence in Government
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, U.S. Naval Academy 1978