Engineering, game design faculty turn nuclear science into interactive learning experience
KENNESAW, Ga. | Apr 17, 2026
At the center of the project titled “Simulating the AP1000: An Educational Game to Promote Understanding of Nuclear Energy Safety and Sustainability” is a collaboration between engineering and game design faculty. The initiative focuses on turning complex nuclear concepts into an interactive learning experience.
The project is led by Eduardo Farfan, a professor of nuclear engineering in the , with support from Joy Li, an associate professor of game design and development in the . Alongside student researchers, the duo have built a game that simulates the AP1000, one of the most advanced nuclear reactor designs in the United States, allowing users to explore how reactor systems function and respond to real-world scenarios.
The game makes nuclear energy more accessible by helping students understand how nuclear energy is generated and why modern reactors are designed with safety in mind.
“We teach students how to operate reactors using simulators that are based on real systems,” Farfan said. “But those tools are complex and require background knowledge. This project creates a simpler way for students, including those in high school, to understand how a reactor works.”
Unlike traditional classroom instruction, the game introduces users to reactor operations through guided tasks and step-by-step procedures. Players receive instructions, make decisions, and see immediate feedback based on their actions, reinforcing learning through interaction.
“We use educational and serious game design principles to simulate the reactors in a more approachable way,” Li said. “Users follow objectives, receive feedback, and learn by seeing the consequences of their actions in real time.”
“We might include certain incidents in the game to show what could happen, but we also emphasize that these situations are very unlikely in real reactors,” Farfan said.
A key focus of the project is the AP1000 reactor’s use of passive safety systems, which rely on natural processes rather than mechanical components to maintain safe operation. These systems are designed to continue functioning even during power loss, reducing the need for human intervention. By highlighting these features, the simulation helps users better understand how modern reactors are built with safety at the forefront.
“As users go through the game, they learn how the system works and understand that modern nuclear energy is designed to be extremely safe,” Farfan said.
The project also reflects a collaboration between disciplines, combining nuclear engineering expertise with game design and development.
“Students in my course work on real-world projects where they design and develop games for educational purposes,” Li said. “This collaboration allows them to apply their skills while helping translate complex knowledge into something more accessible.”
The idea for the project began through student involvement and has grown into a multi-semester effort. What started as a simple concept has developed into a more structured and refined experience over time. Each version builds on the last, with improvements shaped by student work and user feedback. The continued collaboration has helped strengthen both the technical accuracy and the overall user experience.
“We’re combining two very different fields – nuclear engineering and game design – and that’s been one of the most rewarding parts,” Farfan said.
As the project progresses, the team plans to continue refining the simulation and exploring opportunities to expand its reach and evaluate its effectiveness as a teaching tool.
– Story by Raynard Churchwell
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