Events

Science on Tap: Deadly Blue Flash: A History of Criticality Accidents

Science on Tap is not your ordinary lecture series. Forget stuffy classrooms; we’re bringing top-tier scientists and subject matter experts to a relaxed environment where the conversation flows.

This talk will examine the history of several deadly nuclear criticality accidents, offering insight into the circumstances that led to these events and the factors that contributed to them. The presentation will also highlight how the lessons learned from these accidents influenced the development of modern nuclear criticality safety, shaping the standards and practices used in the field today.

Event Details

• Friday, May 08, 2026 | Doors Open at 5:30 pm | Presentation at 6:00 pm
• Location: National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
• Admission: $12 per person
• Requirement: Must be 21+ to attend. An adult must accompany younger guests.

This series is proudly co-sponsored by the University of New Mexico Nuclear Engineering and the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History.

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MEET OUR SPEAKER

Dr. Christopher Perfetti is an Associate Professor in the Nuclear Engineering Department at the University of New Mexico. His research spans a wide range of nuclear science and engineering topics, including nuclear criticality safety, nuclear reactor physics, sensitivity and uncertainty analysis, Monte Carlo method development, advanced reactor core design, radioisotope production, and radiation shielding.

Dr. Perfetti has held numerous leadership roles within the American Nuclear Society (ANS), including serving as Chair of the ANS Reactor Physics Division, Chair of the Alpha Nu Sigma National Nuclear Engineering Honor Society, Chair of the Trinity (New Mexico) ANS Local Section, and Chair of the Oak Ridge/Knoxville ANS Local Section. He also served as Chair of the international topical meetings PHYSOR 2024 and M&C 2025.

He currently serves as Treasurer of the ANS Education, Training, and Workforce Development Division.