About this Event
Radiation, Risk, and Reality: A Conversation with Dr. Kathryn Higley
Radiation at Hunters Point is a subject that sparks deep concern, strong opinions, and often mistrust. To address these questions directly, Dr. Kathryn Higley — Distinguished Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering at Oregon State University and current President of the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements — will join us for an open conversation.
Dr. Higley has worked with the Navy as a contractor for many years, and she knows that some community members view her with skepticism. This event is not about avoiding those concerns — it’s about bringing them into the room. Dr. Higley will give a clear, science-based overview of what radiation is, how risks are studied, and how standards are set. Then the floor is yours: ask questions, raise challenges, and bring forward the issues that matter most to you.
What to expect:
- A straightforward introduction to radiation science and cleanup at Hunters Point
- Honest discussion about standards, health, and uncertainty
- An open Q&A where all questions and concerns are welcome
This is not just a lecture. It’s a chance for real dialogue, where the community can hear directly from a national expert and test the answers for themselves.
Michael Pound, U.S. Navy BRAC Environmental Coordinator, will also be present.
Free and open to the public. All voices welcome.
About Kathryn A. Higley Professor at School of Nuclear Science and Engineering, Oregon State University
Dr. Kathryn Higley is the 7th President of the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements. She is also the Oregon State University Distinguished Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering. Higley recently served as the Interim Director for the Center for Quantitative Life Sciences at OSU, a genome-enabled and data-driven, high-performance computing research center in the life and environmental sciences. Prior to that, for more than a decade she was Head of the School of Nuclear Science and Engineering at OSU. Dr. Higley received her Ph.D. and MS in Radiological Health Sciences from Colorado State University and her BA in Chemistry from Reed College. She has held Reactor Operator and Senior Reactor Operator's licenses and is a former Reactor Supervisor for the Reed College TRIGA reactor. She is a fellow of the Health Physics Society and a Certified Health Physicist. Her areas of interest include environmental transport and fate of radionuclides, radioecology, radiochemistry, radiation dose assessment, nuclear emergency response, environmental regulations, and risk communication.
phone: (301) 657-2652
email: [email protected]
Accessibility and Transportation:
- Free parking
- Served by Muni lines 15 and 19
- Wheelchair accessible (gallery only)
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- Special thanks to STAR's partners for this event: U.S. Navy, California Department of Toxic Substances Control
- More info: www.shipyardartists.com
- Instagram: @hunterspointshipyardartists
- Facebook: @shipyardartists
The U.S. Navy is committed to transparency about the cleanup.Shipyard Trust for the Arts is partnering with the Navy to educate the community.
In the fall of 2024 STAR illuminated the crane with historic documents and community stories. A larger production around the crane is planned for the fall of 2026
Investigative reporter Chris Roberts reports on his research into past radiological experiments at the Shipyard.
Starting in February 2026, the U.S. Navy will start to demolish six buildings on Parcel G, highlighted in yellow.
Parcel G. Note the white-roofed building 366, that was pccupied by 29 metal artists until tehir eviction in 2007. It is one of the structures that will be demolished next year. Also on the demolition list is Building 411 with the amazing saw tooth roof.
We are grateful to the support by the Department of Toxic Substance Control for their support of this event. We also thank the U.S. Navy for their support.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
101 Horne Ave, 101 Horne Avenue, San Francisco, United States
USD 0.00 to USD 25.00
