John Froats
Nuclear Engineer in Residence, Faculty of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science | University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Oshawa, ON, CANADA
Prominent nuclear energy safety and regulation expert guides new Canadian standards
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Biography
Sustainable delivery of clean, efficient and environmentally sound nuclear energy depends on operating nuclear power plants to the highest level of technical and safety standards. Few people know that better than John Froats, a world-renowned nuclear safety expert and leader in the CANDU nuclear industry. With over 42 years’ experience in reactor design, start-up and operation, Froats has extensive nuclear power generation knowledge and experience.
An Associate Professor and Nuclear Engineer in Residence since 2010, Froats was named Best Lecturer and Most Inspirational Lecturer by the Faculty of Engineering Systems and Nuclear Science 2016 graduating class. Passionate about fostering the next generation of nuclear energy experts, Froats humbly measures his worth by the influence he has had on others. Throughout his career, his candid leadership and mentorship have had a tremendous impact on the industry.
Prior to joining UOIT, Froats was appointed President and CEO of the CANDU Owners Group from 2006 to 2010, where he led successful growth across research and development, and leveraged products and services to CANDU operators worldwide. He spent over 32 years in progressive roles at Ontario Power Generation (OPG), culminating in his appointment to the role of Chief Nuclear Engineer and Vice-President, Engineering and Modifications, and the 2005 OPG Power Within Achievement Award for Leadership.
In 2010, Froats received the Canadian Standards Association Award of Merit for improvements in the Canadian Nuclear Standards Program. In 2015, Froats received the prestigious John Jenkins Award, the CSA’s highest recognition for outstanding contribution to standards development in Canada, and the Canadian Nuclear Society’s Harold A. Smith Outstanding Contribution Award in 2016. A member of the CSA’s Standards Policy Board, Froats actively contributes to the development of national nuclear safety regulations including the development of new Canadian Nuclear Safety Regulatory documents. He also represents Canada on several International Atomic Energy Association committees to help shape future nuclear safety culture.
Following in his father’s engineering footsteps; Froats received his Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. Subsequently, he earned his Reactor Shift Manager License from the Atomic Energy Control Board, and is a graduate of the OPG Senior Nuclear Plant Manager Program.
Industry Expertise (7)
Education/Learning
Electrical Engineering
Energy
Nuclear
Program Development
Research
Training and Development
Areas of Expertise (5)
Nuclear Safety and Regulations
Nuclear Reaction Design and Safety
Nuclear Power Generation
Nuclear Power Plant Construction and Commissioning
Nuclear Program Training and Education
Accomplishments (5)
2016 Canadian Nuclear Society Harold A. Smith Outstanding Contribution Award (professional)
2016-01-01
Honoured for his tremendous contributions to the nuclear industry in Canada.
2015 Canadian Standards Association (CSA) John Jenkins Award (professional)
2015-01-01
Recipient for his outstanding contribution to the advancement of Canadian nuclear energy standards.
2010 CSA Award of Merit Canada (professional)
2010-01-01
Awarded for his outstanding contribution to the advancement of the Nuclear Standards Program in Canada.
2005 Ontario Power Generation (OPG) Power Within Achievement Award (professional)
2005-01-01
Honoured for his outstanding leadership of the OPG Nuclear Program during his 22 years with the organization.
Chair of the Safety Advisory Board, and Advisor to the Board, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) (professional)
2014-04-01
CNL is Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology organization, and a world leader in developing innovative applications from nuclear technology.
Education (1)
McMaster University: BEng, Electrical Engineering 1974
Affiliations (4)
- Canadian Nuclear Society
- Canadian Standards Association
- International Atomic Energy Agency
- Professional Engineers of Ontario
Media Appearances (1)
Innovative UOIT nuclear engineer lauded by Canadian Standards Association
UOIT News online
2015-04-09
The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) has named John Froats of the UOIT Faculty of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science (FESNS) the 2015 recipient of the John Jenkins Award for outstanding contributions to the CSA Standards Program in Canada. The award will be presented on Tuesday, June 16 at the CSA’s annual conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Event Appearances (4)
Knowledge Management in Nuclear Engineering
IAEA Technical Meeting on Engineering Responsibility and the Design Authority Concept for the Review of New Nuclear Power Plant Designs Istanbul, Turkey
2014-11-03
Safety Culture Program
Senior Nuclear Plant Manager Program Ontario Power Generation (OPG), Pickering, Ontario
2013-11-01
Managing Across the Organization
CANDU Owners Group Leadership Development Program Mississauga, Ontario
2013-06-01
Role of CSA Standards in Nuclear Engineering and Education
ASME International Conference on Nuclear Engineering Anaheim, California
2012-07-30
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