Elizabeth Demick
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Lynn Carpenter
Research Mentor School/College/Department: EEB/MCDB / Other
Program: UROPF
Session: Session 4 (1:40pm – 2:30pm)
Authors:
Abstract
In the realm of nuclear catastrophes, Chernobyl and Fukushima are likely the first events to come to mind. The damage and death they caused place them among some of the worst disasters of all time, but often they are the only nuclear disasters others can think of, despite the long-term environmental and health effects of many other nuclear disasters such as that of Three Mile Island in 1979. By scouring through documentation of the time and compiling it, this study into the lesser-known meltdown aimed to shed light on the stories of those affected by the event and how the community suffered afterward. Through meticulous search, especially for qualitative information, it was found that 1) cancers and other long-term diseases fester more in the community after a nuclear event, 2) political disagreements and disarray can stem directly from a nuclear disaster in the area, and 3) the ecology and environment within the radius effected can suffer greatly for generations afterward. All these stories, ranging from the personal level to an international one, combine to paint a portrayal of the dangers of nuclear power and how, even when wielded with caution, faults can still occur and have devastating influences on people and places.
