Tour of Penn State's Breazeale Nuclear Reactor
1 Session | This program is completed
Penn State has the oldest licensed operating nuclear reactor in the United States. Enjoy a tour that includes walking through the facility, seeing the blue glow when the reactor is operating, learning about the gamma irradiation facility, and finding out how the reactor works, including its special safety features and its interesting history.
NOTE: Parking is not available on-site at the facility. Participants will need to park at one of the University Park Campus Visitor Parking Areas, such as the East Parking Deck (15-minute walk), and walk to the Breazeale Nuclear Reactor. Two handicap parking spots are available on-site.
Instructors:
Candace Davison, retired assistant director at the Breazeale Nuclear Reactor, has conducted tours, including OLLI tours, for many years.
Zach Van Horn is the outreach coordinator at the Radiation Science and Engineering Center—taking over for Candace Davison, who he had worked under for many years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering from Penn State and a Reactor Operator's License for the Breazeale Reactor.
- Photo ID (Driver’s license or passport) and closed-toe shoes are required. Bags, purses, and communication devices (cell phones) must be stored in your car or inside the building in a designated area during the tour. No food or drink is allowed in laboratories.