2025 Undergraduate Research Showcase
AI and Security in Nuclear Energy
Document Type
Student Presentation
Presentation Date
4-15-2025
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Josh Eixenberger
Abstract
As artificial intelligence continues to grow in relevance across numerous industries, we believe it holds tremendous potential within the field of nuclear energy. When implemented effectively, AI can enhance fault detection and diagnosis, improve operational safety, and support a wide range of critical functions. One particularly promising application is the monitoring of human error—an ongoing challenge that has contributed to several major accidents and outages in the past.
By integrating AI into nuclear systems, we can not only strengthen internal operations but also reallocate valuable human resources to focus on external threats, particularly in cybersecurity. In a domain where both operational reliability and protection against cyberattacks are crucial, AI offers a pathway to more efficient and proactive threat mitigation.
Ultimately, we believe that embracing AI in nuclear energy can pave the way for a safer, more secure, and more effective future for the industry—and, in turn, a safer society.
Recommended Citation
McFarland, Ryan; Eixenberger, Josh; Cascio, Giovanni; Grant, Simeon; Munt, Gage; Sepehr, Sahar; Strilets, Daniel; and Wiggins, Lindsey, "AI and Security in Nuclear Energy" (2025). 2025 Undergraduate Research Showcase. 57.
https://scholarworks.boisestate.edu/under_showcase_2025/57