SPECIAL Science Cafe - Fukushima Crisis

Many are following the news from Japan from the edge of their seats as crews try to deal with the crisis at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Radiation has now been detected all along the Pacific coast of the United States as well as further inland. Dr. Frank L. Parker, Distinguished Professor of Environmental and Water Resources Engineering at Vanderbilt University, will join us for a short presentation followed by an extensive discussion period. Come out for a lively discussion on what exactly is happening in Fukushima, what steps have been taken and what needs to be done to ensure the safety of not just Japan, but the rest of the world as well.

About the Speaker

Dr. Parker has an extensive background in nuclear power, having spent 11 years with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory as the head of the radioactive waste disposal section. He also served with the International Atomic Energy Agency and was a consultant on the Three Mile Island and Chernobyl accidents.

About the Host

Dr. Brian Hart, physicist, is an astrophysicist who is interested in space, science and policy, and military technology applications. Dr. Hart serves as an Adjunct Professor of Physics at Lipscomb University and graduated with his doctorate from the University of California, Irvine. Dr. Hart also runs SoCal Science Cafe, a sister program providing science outreach throughout the Southern California region.