Advanced Nuclear, the Official Podcast of UCAN Power

In this episode of Advanced Nuclear, the official podcast of UCAN Power, host Dominique Cooper is joined by Lucian Niemeyer for an in‑depth discussion on the role advanced nuclear technologies play in strengthening U.S. national security and energy resilience. The conversation centers on UCAN Power’s recent white paper, Restoring American Nuclear Industry Dominance, which outlines how the Department of Defense can lead the development, demonstration, and deployment of advanced nuclear systems to meet both defense and commercial electricity needs. Niemeyer explains why today’s reactor technologies are safer and more capable than ever—and why resilient, reliable power has become a strategic imperative. The episode explores how advanced nuclear can be deployed at scale on military installations and in future space missions, examining funding models, public‑private partnerships, and the challenges posed by fragmented nuclear programs. Niemeyer also lays out practical steps the Department of Defense can take now to accelerate deployment, strengthen the industrial base, and ensure nuclear power underpins deterrence, operational readiness, and long‑term national security. White paper: https://ucanpower.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/UCAN-Power-White-Paper-on-DOW-Nuclear-Power-Deployment-Jan-26.pdf

In this episode of Advanced Nuclear, host Dominique Cooper sits down with Felice Presti, Senior Vice President and Operations Manager for Nuclear Power at Bechtel, to explore what it really takes to rebuild American nuclear leadership. With 87% of reactors built globally since 2017 based on Russian and Chinese designs, the stakes for the U.S. nuclear industry could not be higher. Presti—who oversees Bechtel’s entire nuclear project portfolio—offers a clear‑eyed, practitioner’s view of what’s broken, what’s working, and what must change to deliver nuclear power at scale. Drawing on decades of experience spanning the Hanford nuclear cleanup, NASA launch infrastructure, Plant Vogtle, TerraPower’s Natrium reactor in Wyoming, and Poland’s first nuclear power plant, Presti explains why execution—not rhetoric—will define the nuclear renaissance. The conversation dives into design maturity, integrated EPC delivery, supply chain readiness, workforce development, and why nuclear is uniquely positioned to meet soaring demand driven by AI, geopolitics, and energy security. This is a candid, ground‑truth conversation about building reactors—not just talking about them—and why America’s nuclear comeback will be decided in places like Wyoming, Georgia, and Poland.

In this episode of Advanced Nuclear, the official podcast of UCAN Power, host Chris Ploch shares his unconventional journey from law school to becoming a key voice in U.S. nuclear policy. Drawing on experience across government and the energy sector, Chris breaks down how recent executive orders, licensing reforms, and workforce initiatives are reshaping the future of nuclear energy in America.The conversation explores how federal nuclear executive orders are influencing industry momentum, why culture change at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is critical to deploying advanced reactors, and what it will take to build a durable, skilled nuclear workforce. The episode also places U.S. nuclear innovation in a global context, examining strategic competition with China and Russia and what it means for energy security and leadership.Whether you’re new to nuclear policy or deeply embedded in the industry, this episode offers clear insights into the policy levers and people shaping the next era of advanced nuclear in the United States.

In this episode, host Dominique sits down with Amir Vexler, CEO of Centrus Energy, for an in‑depth look at the revival of American uranium enrichment and what it means for the future of U.S. energy independence. As the only American‑owned company enriching uranium on U.S. soil, Centrus occupies a uniquely strategic position at the intersection of national security, advanced nuclear technologies, and global energy competition. Vexler shares his journey through the nuclear industry, the challenges of rebuilding a domestic enrichment capability, and why execution, innovation, and reliability matter now more than ever. He discusses Centrus’s expanding footprint at the massive Piketon facility, the company’s investment in next‑generation centrifuge manufacturing, and its role in building a diverse, resilient, American‑led nuclear fuel supply chain. From re‑industrializing America to forging new global partnerships, this conversation offers a rare inside look at one of the most important—and least understood—elements of the modern nuclear ecosystem. Amir Vexler is president and chief executive officer of Centrus Energy Corp. He also serves on the company’s board of directors. Mr. Vexler has extensive experience in the nuclear fuel industry and a strong background in manufacturing, engineering services, commercial operations, and business development. Prior to joining Centrus, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Orano USA, overseeing Orano’s U.S. sales of nuclear fuel, decommissioning services, used nuclear fuel management, and medical isotopes as well as engineering and technology services for the federal government. Previously, Mr. Vexler spent 20 years at General Electric Company, where he served in a number of leadership positions, including Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board, and Chief Operating Officer of Global Nuclear Fuels (GNF), a joint venture of GE and Hitachi. GNF is a global provider of nuclear fuel and related services. He earned a BASc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto and an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University.

In this episode of Advanced Nuclear, Dr. Jess Gehin from Idaho National Laboratory explores the transformative moment nuclear energy is experiencing today. From recent executive orders accelerating nuclear initiatives to groundbreaking projects like mobile microreactors, Dr. Gehin explains why advanced reactors are critical for America’s energy future and national security. Discover the historical roots of nuclear innovation, the current surge in deployment efforts, and how these advancements are shaping a more resilient, sustainable, and secure energy landscape. Dr. Jess Gehin is Associate Laboratory Director for Idaho National Laboratory’s Nuclear Science & Technology Directorate. With nearly three decades of experience, he has led national strategies for nuclear energy, directed complex projects, and advanced deployment of innovative reactors. Jess previously served as Chief Scientist for INL and National Technical Director for DOE’s Microreactor Program, spearheading initiatives like Project Pele and MARVEL. Before INL, he held leadership roles at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and directed the Consortium for Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors. A Fellow of the American Nuclear Society, Jess holds degrees in nuclear engineering from Kansas State University and MIT and has authored over 120 technical publications.

In this episode of the Advanced Nuclear podcast, host Dominique Cooper engages with Dr. Todd Allen, a nuclear engineering professor at the University of Michigan, to discuss the current state and future of nuclear energy. They explore the complexities of nuclear deployment, including the need for community trust, regulatory frameworks, and innovative approaches to waste management. Dr. Allen emphasizes the importance of integrating societal considerations into nuclear technology development and highlights the role of community engagement in fostering acceptance. The conversation also touches on the challenges of the innovation pipeline and the necessity for collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the successful deployment of advanced nuclear technologies.