On January 27, 2026, graduate students from the Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry visited the McMaster University Nuclear Research Reactor as part of an industry tour designed to give students first-hand exposure to real-world engineering facilities.
The idea for the visit emerged during a CEGSA meeting, where professional development opportunities for graduate students were being discussed. Industry tours were identified as particularly valuable, offering students the chance to see industrial environments up close, learn about specific sectors, and engage with professionals working in the field. The McMaster University Nuclear Research Reactor was selected as a unique and highly relevant facility for engineering students.
“Industry tours give students a direct way to connect what they learn in the classroom with how engineering is practiced in real facilities,” said Sepehr Hoomani Rad, CEGSA President. “The reactor stood out as an opportunity to see a complex system where safety, design, and operations come together.”
The visit was attended by 12 chemical engineering graduate students, representing a range of programs and research groups. Participants took part in a guided one-hour tour of the reactor building, with significant time spent at the water pool directly above the reactor. There, students learned about the reactor’s design, operation, and monitoring systems, along with detailed explanations of safety systems, radiation shielding, and overall facility operations.
One of the key takeaways from the visit was the complexity involved in operating even a small-scale research reactor. Students gained insight into the extensive safety infrastructure required, including strict contamination-control protocols and multiple layers of radiation monitoring designed to ensure that radioactive material does not leave the facility. Safety was clearly prioritized in every aspect of the reactor’s operation.
“The emphasis on safety was striking,” Rad noted. “It closely mirrors the chemical safety principles our students encounter regularly, including those practiced in facilities like the Wallberg Building.”
For chemical engineering graduate students, the visit was especially relevant, as familiarity with a wide range of industrial plants and facilities is essential. The tour highlighted the possibility of future careers in nuclear or energy-related environments and demonstrated how engineers collaborate closely with non-engineering specialists, such as nuclear physicists, to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Students were also surprised to learn that the reactor generates approximately 3.5 to 5 megawatts of energy, which is currently unused under the existing operational model. Plans to potentially use this energy in the future—such as heating nearby buildings—highlighted opportunities for improved energy efficiency and sustainability.
“We strongly recommend similar industry tours for graduate students across all engineering programs,” says Rad. “These experiences provide valuable first-hand exposure to industrial environments, reinforce classroom concepts, and help students better understand how theory translates into practice.”
CEGSA extends its thanks to the Directors of Professional Development, Juan and Abrar, for organizing and coordinating the tour. Students are encouraged to follow CEGSA on social media (@cegsa.utoronto) to stay informed about future events and opportunities.