The Socio-Technical Risk Analysis (SoTeRiA) Research Laboratory, directed by NPRE Associate Professor Zahra Mohaghegh, presented at the 2021 Spring Engineering Undergraduate Research Fair and the 2021 Beckman Institute Open House.
The purpose of the annual Engineering Research Fair is to connect undergraduate students with on-campus engineering research laboratories in a two-day showcase that includes live information sessions with laboratory researchers. Students visiting these live sessions met with SoTeRiA team members including Associate Professor Zahra Mohaghegh, Research Assistant Professor Tatsuya Sakurahara, Research Scientist Pegah Farshadmanesh, and Undergraduate Researchers Andrea Roy (CS Sophomore), Madeline Morasca (NPRE freshman), and Jake Mitstifer (NPRE freshman) to discuss Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) and risk-informed solutions to engineering problems.
The SoTeRiA Laboratory’s focus on interdisciplinary risk analysis research was also highlighted in an interactive presentation during the Beckman virtual event held March 26 and 27.
In these events, NPRE freshman Madeline Morasca offered an introductory presentation for the SoTeRiA Laboratory.
The SoTeRiA Research Laboratory has made scholarly contributions to the science of Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA), a key pillar in the risk-informed decision-making framework of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). SoTeRiA’s research focuses on improving safety in technological systems such as existing and advanced nuclear power plants while reducing the cost of operations. This scientific work helps create a pathway that would enhance the economic viability of the nuclear industry at a time when carbon-free energy resources play a critical role in mitigating climate change.
Students interested in learning more about the laboratory are encouraged to visit http://soteria.npre.illinois.edu/ or, for further questions, to contact riskanalysis@illinois.edu.