This discussion series was created based on a number of important themes that were surfaced during earlier portions of the stakeholder engagement process. Some of these themes included safety, waste management, cost, workforce readiness, and public involvement. The discussions included participation from experts in academia, industry, government, and community organizations.
Discussion 1 – Nuclear and Fusion Ecosystem; Workforce, Innovation and Supply Chain
- Moderator: Melissa Lavinson
- Panelists:
- Jacopo Buongiorno, Professor and Director of Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Nuclear Reactor Laboratory
- Kristen Cullen, Vice President of Global Public Policy and Public Affairs, Commonwealth Fusion Systems
- Jason Seaburg, Executive Vice President, Suffolk
- Stephen J. Auton-Smith, Senior Managing Director, EY-Parthenon Americas
A safe and sustainable nuclear future depends on a strong and coordinated ecosystem. This session explores workforce development across engineering, operations, and skilled trades, alongside innovation and supply chain opportunities. Panelists will highlight Massachusetts’ existing strengths, identify gaps and discuss how education, industry and small businesses can support a visible, connected and resilient nuclear and fusion ecosystem.
Discussion 2 – Technology, Markets and Regulatory Environment
- Moderator: Dave Flanagan, Deputy Executive Vice Chancellor, Facilities Management, UMass Chan Medical School
- Panelists:
- Alexander Bok, former Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Energy/s (DOE) Advanced Research Projects-Energy Agency
- Eric Johnson, Executive Director of External Affairs, Independent System Operator (ISO) New England
- Cindy Luppi, Senior Director for State Policy and Program, Clean Water Action
- Caitlin Peale Sloan, Vice President for Climate and Energy, Conservation Law Foundation
- Mike Starrett, Chief Revenue Officer, Radiant
This session examined the current state and readiness of advanced nuclear fission and fusion technologies within the context of energy markets and regulatory frameworks. Discussions explored technology maturity, cost and timeline considerations, and the role of ISO New England markets, federal and state regulation, and policy alignment in shaping how these technologies may be evaluated in Massachusetts.
Discussion 3 – Safety, Spent Fuel, Public Trust and Community Engagement
- Moderator: Sukesh Aghara, Professor and Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Panelists:
- Edwin Lyman, Director of Nuclear Power Safety, Union of Concerned Scientists
- Jeffrey Semancik, Director of the Radiation Division, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
- Patrick White, Group Lead of Fusion Energy Safety and Regulation, Clean Air Task Force
This session focused on the key public and environmental considerations surrounding advanced nuclear and fusion, including spent fuel management, radiation exposure, and accident risk. Panelists discussed evolving safety approaches, lessons from existing operations, and how collaborative, community-centered siting and transparent engagement can support informed dialogue and long-term public trust in Massachusetts.
