There is an unwritten rule in the science department I work for that was passed down to us from a former department chair … it is hardly unique to our group:
It is always better to ask forgiveness than for permission.
I am trying to decide how that applies to this situation. This guy got in trouble because he decided to ask for permission. On the other hand, I wonder what would have happened if he hadn’t been stopped at this point.
As I tell my students: learning to be an amateur mechanic is a good skill to have. Whether you are male or female, it impresses potential mates to no end when you can change the oil and do a tune up by yourself. Throw in a little skill in being able to repalce ceiling joists and fix leaking pipes, and you’ll be fighting off potential mates for the rest of your life.
FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT’S HOLY: NUCLEAR ENGINEERING SHOULD BE LEFT TO THE PROFESSIONALS! Do NOT attempt to build a nuclear reactor in your home, by yourself.
A Southsider in a Strange Land 
Scary! Come to think of it, there are a LOT of unemployed former engineers and science teachers out there, who might be getting a bit bored. Hmmm…
Especially those who might have ready access to Geiger counters. Let’s be grateful some of them are back to work 😉