Title:

National Technical Nuclear Forensics: Policy, Structure and Pipeline Challenges

Speaker:

Dr. John Mercier

Affiliation:

Noblis

When:

Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 10:00:00 AM   Add to Calendar

Where:

Boggs Building, Room 3-47

Host:

Nolan Hertel
nolan.hertel@me.gatech.edu
4-3601

Abstract

Protecting citizens from Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) attacks is one of the fundamental requirements of government. Within the WMD threat matrix, nuclear terrorism in the form of a nuclear detonation is the WMD threat that poses the highest catastrophic impact. Both government and industry are motivated to develop and implement policies, organizational structure, technologies and tactics to prevent malevolent acts of nuclear terrorism. A key component of WMD counter-terrorism activities is the ability to conduct forensic analysis of nuclear material and attribute it to a source or origin. This lecture introduces policies, structure and pipeline challenges for the National Technical Nuclear Forensics (NTNF) enterprise.

Biography

Dr. Mercier currently manages a $25M portfolio and leads 50 advanced-degreed scientists, engineers and analysts in support of national security and intelligence programs. He has over 27 years experience and leadership in Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) defense with significant emphasis in nuclear science, policy and technology. Dr. Mercier is a nationally recognized expert in nuclear weapons effects and radiological emergency response operations. He holds a doctorate in Radiological Physics and is professionally credentialed and licensed in nuclear engineering and medical radiation physics. Prior to joining Noblis in 2009, Dr. Mercier served 30 years in the US Army. He is a Bronze Star recipient.