Description: This discussion will focus on the NRC’s one step licensing process, an overall status of the engineering reviews associated with the applications, and discussion of some of the technical challenges associated with the licensing review of digital instrumentation and controls, mechanical components and structural engineering for the new generation of nuclear power plants.

Biography: Laura A. Dudes, Deputy Director, Division of Engineering, Office of New Reactors (NRO)

Laura A. Dudes is the Deputy Director, Division of Engineering, Office of New Reactors (NRO) at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

Ms. Dudes joined the NRC in 1994 as a Reactor Engineer Intern in the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR). In 1996, she transferred to Region I where she served as a Reactor Engineer in the Division of Reactor Safety, in this capacity she was responsible for the engineering and inservice testing and inspection reviews for many nuclear power plants in the northeast. She also performed specialized motor operated valve operability inspections during this time.

In 1997, Ms. Dudes became the Resident Inspector at Indian Point 3, and in 1999, the Senior Resident Inspector at Oyster Creek. In 2002, Ms. Dudes returned to NRC headquarters as a Technical Assistant and Enforcement Coordinator in NRR, and in 2002 was selected as Chief of the New Reactor Licensing Branch. In 2006, Ms. Dudes was selected to participate in the Senior Executive Service (SES) Candidate Development Program and was selected into her current position upon completion of this program in 2007.

Ms. Dudes received a B.E. degree in Mechanical Engineering and an M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology.