2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Preparing engineers to lead the clean-energy transition requires immersive learning environments that connect theoretical principles to operational realities. This paper presents a collaborative initiative among academia, industry, and government to establish a simulation-based nuclear-energy laboratory featuring a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Control Room Simulator. The initiative supports an advanced senior-level course in power and energy systems while serving as a platform for outreach, workforce development, and professional training. The simulator allows learners to operate a virtual multi-module reactor, monitor key performance parameters, and analyze the role of reliable, carbon-free generation in future power systems.

Developed through a tri-sector partnership, the project integrates state-level energy leadership, university curriculum development, and industry participation to create laboratory infrastructure and instructional content aligned with current and emerging workforce needs. The collaboration ensures that technical modules encompass system modeling, load following, grid interaction, and safety analysis while also incorporating policy, regulatory, and sustainability perspectives relevant to clean-energy deployment.

At the university level, the laboratory anchors a senior laboratory and advanced course sequence combining simulation-based learning with applied power-system analysis. Students perform scenario-driven exercises, including startup and shutdown sequences, grid-disturbance responses, and emergency operation procedures. These experiences bridge classroom theory in power, control, and thermal sciences with realistic system behavior, improving students’ understanding of complex energy interactions. Preliminary assessments indicate notable gains in conceptual mastery, teamwork, and professional readiness.

Beyond its academic role, the facility serves as a regional training and outreach hub. Demonstrations and workshops introduce educators, policymakers, and community members to advanced nuclear and clean-energy technologies. The outreach plan also includes guided sessions for high-school participants to raise awareness of engineering career pathways. In its next phase, the initiative will expand training opportunities to industry partners, offering continuing education modules and short courses focused on grid reliability, nuclear operations, and clean-energy integration. This extension strengthens the connection between higher education and the professional energy workforce while addressing the region's surging energy demand through advanced, dispatchable, and carbon-free generation solutions.

This paper describes the development process, partnership framework, curriculum integration, and early evaluation results from the first year of implementation. Findings highlight the impact of simulation-based learning and cross-sector collaboration in advancing energy education. Lessons learned offer a scalable model for institutions seeking to align academic instruction, workforce development, and industry engagement within a unified clean-energy education strategy.