Small modular reactors (SMRs) are gaining significant traction as promising energy solutions, with deployment anticipated in the early 2030s. This progress owes a debt to figures like Pete Miller, a key advocate for SMR research funding during his tenure as assistant secretary for nuclear energy. His early support laid the foundation for the technological advancements we see today.
Pete Miller’s journey in the nuclear field has taken him far beyond his childhood expectations on Chicago’s South Side. From Northwestern University to Los Alamos National Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Energy, he carved a path as a Black man in a predominantly white profession.
In a revealing interview, Miller discusses his life, career, experiences with racial injustice, and his vision for a diverse future in nuclear energy.
Q: Can you share insights into your early life?
A: I grew up in the inner city of Chicago, on the South Side, in a time of segregated neighborhoods. We were a working-class community – my father was a milkman – but our neighborhood was diverse economically, including black doctors, teachers, and lawyers.
A significant part of my history is my friendship with Emmett Till. We were classmates at McCosh Elementary School. I remember saying goodbye to him in the summer of 1955 as we went on summer break. He traveled to Money, Mississippi, and tragically never returned. He was lynched.
Emmett Till’s death profoundly impacted the Civil Rights Movement. Rosa Parks mentioned thinking of Emmett Till when she refused to give up her seat in Montgomery, as noted in her memoir.
As a friend, his death was a formative experience for me.
[Editor’s note: McCosh Elementary School was renamed for Emmett Till in 2006.]
Q: What sparked your interest in nuclear science?
A: I attended a segregated high school where I was fortunate to have a physics teacher with a Ph.D. He taught high school because opportunities for Black physicists were limited at the time. His passion ignited my interest in science.
Later, at West Point, the curriculum was quite structured, leaving little room for electives until senior year. As seniors, we had a choice between civil engineering and nuclear engineering. Intrigued by the image of nuclei and electrons in the nuclear engineering textbook, I chose that path. That single class captivated me.
After serving in Vietnam and leaving the Army, I pursued nuclear engineering at Northwestern University, earning my doctorate. My dissertation focused on computational methods of neutron transport.
Q: Could you elaborate on your time at Los Alamos National Laboratory and your career progression there?
A: Los Alamos attracted me because of its advanced computing capabilities and the presence of Bengt Carlson, a prominent figure from the Manhattan Project in my field. Leaders from his group expressed interest in my work after a presentation I gave at an American Nuclear Society meeting.
These were giants in the field to me. Their interest was a huge encouragement. They invited me for an interview, and after a few visits, my wife and I decided to relocate from Evanston, Illinois, to New Mexico in 1974.
Initially, I joined Group T-1 in the Theoretical Division. Despite being new, my leadership experience led to my appointment as group leader.
Subsequently, I became the head of the civilian nuclear energy section at Los Alamos, a smaller component within the nuclear weapons lab. I advanced to associate director for energy programs, overseeing all energy-related projects, and then associate director for physics and math. My final role before retirement was deputy lab director for science and technology.
Q: Can you discuss diversity initiatives during your time at Los Alamos?
A: Historically, at Los Alamos, lower-level positions were often held by people of color, while leadership roles were predominantly filled by white males. This disparity was a significant issue.
Fortunately, I worked with lab directors who were committed to creating a more equitable environment. Director Sig Hecker appointed me as diversity director, tasking me with forming working groups, a first for Los Alamos.
We established diversity working groups for women, African-Americans, Native Americans, and Hispanics. These groups facilitated direct communication and provided eye-opening insights into the challenges faced by various groups within the lab.
Q: In 2009, you became the first African-American assistant secretary for nuclear energy. Reflecting on this period, what moments stand out as particularly challenging or rewarding?
A: While technically I was the first Black assistant secretary for nuclear energy, it’s important to acknowledge Bill Magwood, who previously led nuclear energy efforts at the Department of Energy as “director of the Office of Nuclear Energy.” I consider myself the second Black individual in such a high-ranking position.
Two achievements stand out during my time. Working with my deputy, Pete Lyons, we initiated the small modular reactor program within the Department of Energy.
Recognizing the need for the next major advancement after the Westinghouse AP1000 reactor, we championed federal support for SMRs. We successfully presented the concept to the White House Office of Management and Budget, securing their backing.
I am also proud of defending NEUP, the Nuclear Energy University Program.
The most challenging aspect was undoubtedly testifying before the United States Congress. It was an experience unlike any other.
Q: According to DOE’s USEER report, Black workers constitute about 12 percent of the nuclear energy workforce. As nuclear energy enters a new era with advanced reactors, why is diversity crucial?
A: Increasing diversity in nuclear energy and across all STEM fields is essential. STEM fields are and will continue to be the driving force shaping our society.
Artificial intelligence, for example, will profoundly influence our future. Because AI is data-driven, it is crucial that the individuals inputting and interpreting this data represent diverse experiences and perspectives. This is a primary reason why the nuclear workforce, and STEM in general, needs to reflect the broader population.
Environmental justice is another critical consideration, particularly regarding the location of reactors and nuclear waste sites. We must ensure that marginalized communities are not disproportionately disadvantaged in decision-making processes.
Q: What advice would you offer to someone aspiring to a career in nuclear engineering or nuclear science?
A: I would wholeheartedly recommend this field. It is exceptionally rewarding in numerous ways. What I value most is the strong sense of community within nuclear science. It’s a relatively small field, allowing you to build meaningful connections with colleagues.
Our field, while small, is incredibly impactful and intellectually stimulating. It requires knowledge spanning the nuclear fuel cycle to national security interfaces. It is, in my opinion, one of the most enriching and challenging fields you can pursue.
Warren F. “Pete” Miller Jr. served as assistant secretary for nuclear energy from 2009 to 2010. He dedicated 27 years to Los Alamos National Laboratory, holding various leadership roles overseeing science and nuclear energy programs until his retirement in 2001. A Vietnam veteran and Bronze Star recipient, he is a fellow of the American Nuclear Society and a member of the National Academy of Engineering. Today, Pete Miller remains active in nuclear issues through leadership positions with organizations such as the Nuclear Security Science and Policy Institute at Texas A&M University.
Alt text: Pete Miller, a distinguished leader in nuclear energy, pictured in a professional setting, reflecting his extensive career and expertise, far removed from a typical “office” environment.
Alt text: Pete Miller’s tenure at Los Alamos National Laboratory, showcasing his significant contributions to nuclear research and development, emphasizing a career of scientific rigor and leadership.
