Tag: Member Spotlight

Education/Certifications:

• S., Computer Science, South Carolina State University, 2009
• B.A., concentration in Project Management, Strayer University, 2012
• S.I.S, Information Systems Management, Strayer University, 2020

 

Employment:

• Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC; Sr. IT Technical & Business Analyst (2021 – Present)
• Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC; Senior Computer Security Engineer (2018 – 2021)
• CB&I/Areva MOX Services, LLC; Software Applications Engineer II (2009 – 2018)

Why did you choose the nuclear field or how did you end up in the nuclear field?

I ended up in the nuclear field through an internship and partnership in 2008 with South Carolina State University (Orangeburg, SC) and Shaw/Areva Federal Services at Savannah River Site (SRS) in 2008. The summer of 2008, I became a software design intern and learned a lot about my group, the project (MOX Project) I was working on, and SRS’s history, mission, and various career opportunities.  I also enjoyed the people I got to meet during my internship, some of whom are friends to this day. Upon returning to SCSU for my senior year, I was offered a full-time position in the group with which I was an intern. Since this time, my career and opportunities in the nuclear industry has blossomed. I am grateful for the education and internship that set me on this path, and I hope that students today will see the importance of internships as it is often the first foot in the door.

 

What advice do you have for women in the nuclear field?

Be the change you seek. You belong in the room, at the table, the head of the table, and you even have the capability to create new rooms. Never feel that you are inadequate in this male-dominated industry. Don’t be afraid to go after what you want and seek new opportunities. Then, as you grow, don’t be afraid to be a light to the next generation of women in nuclear.

 

What is your favorite work memory or accomplishment?

My favorite work accomplishment is becoming one of the seven founders in establishing and chartering the Savannah River Site – Women in Nuclear (SRS-WIN) chapter in Aiken, SC at Savannah River Site in 2015. Not only was I a founder, but I also became the inaugural public outreach chair from 2015 – 2019 and just completed my presidency/chairing of the chapter from 2019-2022. We started out as an extremely small chapter with fewer than 20 members, but the organization now has well more than 500 members. During my tenure as inaugural public outreach chair, SRS-WIN became a national and local award-winning chapter as the “Most Reactive Chapter” in 2016 during National Nuclear Science Week, “Best T-Shirt Design” in 2016 for the University Hospital Miracle Mile Breast Cancer Walk, and earned the SRS nickname of “Boots on the Ground.” From our extensive work in the community and contributions to the nuclear industry, I was nominated by my chapter and won the U.S. WIN Region II Leadership Award in 2018.

• Education/Certifications:

Currently going into senior year pursuing a B.S. in Nuclear Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

• Employment:

Miss Wisconsin 2022! Formerly I was a co-op at Constellation.

• Why did you choose the nuclear field or how did you end up in the nuclear field?

I wish I had an inspirational story, but what it really was is it started out as nuclear engineering just sounded really cool. When I was applying to colleges, UW-Madison had a nuclear program so I thought hey, why not apply and see what it’s like. While that’s what started me out in the field, what really ignited my passion for nuclear was when I realized nuclear exists all around us. I was able to work in a lab hands-on, which then lead to my co-op with Constellation. My experience in the field has taught me how important nuclear energy is, and how necessary it is for our society.

• What advice do you have for women in the nuclear field?

Always stay strong and stand up for yourself. It’s also okay to have multiple aspects in your life – nuclear can be one of them! Multiple aspects are what make a good engineer.

• What do you think is the most important benefit of nuclear science, technology, or energy and why?

The ability to change lives. Not just on a daily basis of creating power, or curing cancer, but changing society as a whole. Without energy and technology, we would not be where we are today. Nuclear science is at the core of almost every other science, so it’s time society embraces that and lets nuclear science be explored properly, with the corresponding funding.

• Is there something about your job that most people are surprised to hear?

Miss Wisconsin 2022 is a full-time paid job – I go on to compete for Miss America, which is actually a salaried job! It’s an exciting position to be an advocate for nuclear energy.