Jason Harris

Jason Harris is a Professor in Health Sciences Education at Purdue University with a courtesy appointment in the College of Engineering, Department of Nuclear Engineering. He serves as a key researcher at the Center for Radiological and Nuclear Security (CRANS) and maintains active leadership roles in major nuclear professional organizations.

His academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Health Physics from Purdue University (2007)
• M.S. in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2002)
• B.S. in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Tampa (1995)

Dr. Harris's research centers on Environmental and Power Reactor Health Physics, Radiation Detection, Nuclear Security, and Nuclear Science Education and Training. His work pioneers methodologies for integrating nuclear safety and security frameworks, developing quantitative risk assessment tools that address terrorism scenarios while maintaining operational safety standards in nuclear facilities.

Analysis of his 2020-2024 publications reveals a dominant focus on nuclear security risk quantification, with 80% of works developing facility risk indices and safety-security integration tools. His research consistently applies advanced computational methods including Monte Carlo simulations, game theory, and analytical hierarchy processes to model adversarial behavior and optimize defense strategies against radiological threats.

Professional leadership includes:

• ABET Program Evaluator for Health Physics
• Chair of Health Physics Program Directors Organization (HPPDO)
• Chair of Academic Education Committee (Health Physics Society)
• Member-at-Large, Executive Committee (Institute of Nuclear Materials Management)
• Former Chair, International Nuclear Security Education Network (IAEA)

At CRANS, Dr. Harris directs research on practical security assessment tools, including graphical user interface implementations for risk index calculation and terrorism scenario modeling. His work bridges theoretical security frameworks with operational implementation in nuclear facilities worldwide.