Naked Nuclear

In this Student Spotlight, we trace how childhood curiosity—sparked by Nikola Tesla and MythBusters—led Ryan Zerpa from building a Tesla coil in grade school to pursuing fusion research.

Ryan shares how he reframed a mostly-fission undergrad at Purdue Nuclear Engineering into a launchpad for fusion, what he learned working around pulsed-power experiments like Sandia’s Z Machine, and how Division I swimming forged the time-management and grit research demands.

We unpack his plain-language way of explaining fusion (from “why energy transition” to “how plasmas are tamed with lasers and magnets”), then close with his next step: a PhD in high-energy-density physics at the University of Rochester (LLE)—and his advice for students to ask relentlessly and feed their curiosity.

What you’ll learn

• Why Tesla, fields, and hands-on tinkering pulled Ryan toward electromagnetism and fusion

• How to turn a fission-heavy curriculum into fusion-useful skills (transport theory, fluids → plasmas)

• What pulsed-power/HEDP experiments aim to do and why nanosecond timing matters

• The student-athlete toolkit for research: discipline, recovery, and focused practice

• A simple, audience-friendly way to explain fusion—and why storytelling in science matters

• Practical advice for aspiring students: persistence beats perfection

  
  

  • Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) — overview of the national lab and mission:
    https://www.sandia.gov/ Sandia National Laboratories

  • Z Pulsed Power Facility (“Z Machine”) — Sandia’s pulsed-power/HEDP platform:
    https://www.sandia.gov/z-machine/  | About Z: https://www.sandia.gov/z-machine/about-z/ Sandia National Laboratories+1

  • Purdue University — Nuclear Engineering — program home:
    https://engineering.purdue.edu/NE Purdue Engineering

  • Ryan’s PhD site — University of Rochester, Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE)
    https://www.lle.rochester.edu/homepage/

What does it mean to be the #1 nuclear engineering program in the country?

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Todd Allen, department chair of the University of Michigan’s Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences (NERS) program, to explore the history, mission, and future of a department that blends technical excellence with human-centered education. From submarines to art tunnels, this conversation offers a 360° look at what makes Michigan a true nuclear powerhouse.

We cover:

• How a student-led movement after WWII became the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Project

• How Michigan is preparing students for advanced nuclear innovation

• The creation of a living memorial through art and engineering

• Undergraduate and graduate experiences in one of the world’s most well-funded and research-rich departments

• The Harper All Stars and how mentorship and scholarships are shaping the next generation

• The OECD Global Forum on Nuclear Energy Science, Technology & Policy, hosted at Michigan this fall

• 🔬 Michigan NERS Main Page
  https://ners.engin.umich.edu

• 🕊️ History of the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Project
  https://ners.engin.umich.edu/academics/harperacademy/
  https://www.charlesharpercharities.org/harper-academy-4-future-nuclear-engineers

• 🎨 Phoenix-Themed Tunnel Art Installation
  https://news.engin.umich.edu/2023/08/a-nuclear-engineering-education-inspired-by-art

• 🧑‍🎓 Harper Academy All Stars (Charles Harper Charities)
  https://ners.engin.umich.edu/2024/09/16/harper-academy-all-stars-support-ners-research
  https://www.charlesharpercharities.org/harper-academy-4-future-nuclear-engineers

• 🌍 OECD Global Forum on Nuclear Energy Science, Technology & Policy – Hosted at U-M
  https://ners.engin.umich.edu/2024/07/01/u-m-to-host-oecd-nea-global-forum-on-nuclear-energy

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Follow Naked Nuclear  for more episodes that strip away the jargon and dive deep into the people, programs, and power behind nuclear science.

Ever wonder how tiny particles can power whole cities? In this After-Pop! we follow our previous episode with Ikhwan Khaleb and dive into the world of reactor physics — the science behind nuclear chain reactions, neutrons, and keeping everything safe and steady.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What reactor physics actually means (and why it matters).

• The “life cycle” of a neutron, from birth to absorption.

• How scientists keep reactors balanced using criticality.

• What students study in reactor physics classes.

Wanna learn more about reactor physics straight from the (peer-reviewed) source?

Checkout these guides:  

1. Stacey, W. M. (2018). Nuclear Reactor Physics (3rd ed.). Wiley-VCH.

   • Comprehensive textbook covering neutron life cycles, chain reactions, and reactor kinetics.

2. Lamarsh, J. R., & Baratta, A. J. (2017). Introduction to Nuclear Engineering (4th ed.). Pearson.

   • Widely used undergraduate text explaining the fundamentals of reactor physics in accessible language.

3. Duderstadt, J. J., & Hamilton, L. J. (1976). Nuclear Reactor Analysis. Wiley.

   • Classic reference on neutron transport, diffusion theory, and criticality.

4. American Nuclear Society (ANS). (2021). Nuclear Science and Technology Basics.

   • Introductory resource created by professional nuclear engineers.
     https://www.ans.org/nuclear-basics/

5. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). (2022). Reactor Concepts Manual: Nuclear Physics Fundamentals.

   • A regulatory training document explaining fission, chain reactions, and control systems.
     https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/basic-ref/students.html

Ikhwan Khaleb tells the story of moving from Malaysia to study in the University of Michigan’s NERS program, learning reactor physics in a second language, and turning TikTok into a platform for clear, visual nuclear education. We cover UMich coursework and labs, cultural adaptation, the grind of an international job search, and how engineering work at Holtec fuels his social media explainers.

Links & Resources

• University of Michigan — Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences (NERS) — department homepage (program overview, news, people). ners.engin.umich.edu

• NERS Graduate Admissions & Applying to the Program (application materials, contact info for Grad Admissions). ners.engin.umich.edu

• NERS Labs & Research Groups (list of labs, facilities, and the Nuclear Power Simulation Lab / Ford Reactor VR resources). ners.engin.umich.edu

• NERS Graduate Program overview (MSE & PhD program descriptions and program expectations).

Breaking into the nuclear industry can feel overwhelming, from specialized certifications and security clearances to jobs that never even make it to job boards. In this episode of Naked Nuclear, Danielle shares an exciting new partnership with Nuclear Talent Scout, the premier recruiting firm focused exclusively on nuclear energy.

Together, Naked Nuclear and Nuclear Talent Scout are planting the seeds for the next generation of the nuclear workforce.

From free resources at nucleartalentboost.com to insider access to unlisted job opportunities, this partnership is all about connecting YOU to meaningful careers in nuclear.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why the nuclear workforce is in such high demand right now (hint: retirements + new builds + advanced reactors).

• The hidden challenges of nuclear hiring — and how recruiters like Nuclear Talent Scout make a difference.

• How Nuclear Talent Boost offers free training, cheat sheets, and coaching for those looking to pivot into nuclear.

• What “Industry Feature Fridays” are and how they’ll spotlight niche experts passing knowledge to the next generation.

• Why working with Nuclear Talent Scout can give you access to exclusive jobs, resume support, and direct connections to hiring managers.

  
  

Resources & Links:

• Register for free career resources: nucleartalentboost.com

• Learn more about Nuclear Talent Scout: nucleartalentscout.com

• Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielleallen-nuclear

• Contact Danielle: [email protected]

And if you’d like to be featured on a future episode, send Danielle a message — don’t forget to share your background and your favorite dessert! 🍰

What makes someone stay at the same company for decades — or even generations?

In this episode of Naked Nuclear, we sit down with Bob Duffy, Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of BWX Technologies (BWXT), to explore what’s behind the company’s incredibly low attrition rate, its investment in early talent, and how it’s preparing for the next generation of nuclear professionals.

Bob shares how BWXT is going beyond traditional hiring — building weld schools in high schools, ramping up internships, offering internal growth pathways, and supporting students through scholarships and tuition reimbursement.

We also discuss how you can stand out in the hiring process and what kinds of roles are most in demand right now — from engineers to machinists to project managers. With over 700 job openings (at the time of recording) you've gotta see what's cooking at BWXT.

Apply to work at BWXT:
 https://www.bwxt.com/careers

Learn more about BWXT:
 https://www.bwxt.com

Learn more about Welding School in Mt. Vernon, Indiana

https://investors.bwxt.com/news-releases/news-release-details/bwxt-opens-welding-program-mount-vernon-high-school

BWXT in the News

https://investors.bwxt.com/news-events/news-releases

🎓 2025 BWXT STEM Scholarship Winners:

• Haris Khan

• Ella Schmutz

• Neev Shah

• Corine Glickstein

• London Puckett

On this episode, we dive into the power of curiosity—how simple questions can spark revolutions in science, technology, and society. Inspired by a roadside observation, we explore why cultivating curiosity is critical at every level of society, from national parks to apprenticeships, and why funding the “discovery phase” of science pays off in ways we can’t always predict.

While it’s often said that monarchs avoid the Great Lakes as if skirting a long-gone mountain, this is a myth. Monarchs use ⁠sun compasses⁠, circadian rhythms, and favorable winds to navigate—reminding us that curiosity often begins by questioning the stories we tell ourselves.

• Why curiosity—not just knowledge—drives innovation

• The role of safe, well-funded environments in enabling groundbreaking discoveries

• How modern technology is tied to the curious minds of legendary scientists

• Practical tips for fostering curiosity in your own life

  
  

  Scientists who Researched their Curiosities

1. Lise Meitner – Her insights into nuclear fission led to carbon-free nuclear energy and medical isotope production.

2. Marie Curie – Her pioneering work on radioactivity laid the foundation for radiation therapy, saving millions of lives.

3. Enrico Fermi – His research on neutrons and chain reactions paved the way for nuclear reactors and nuclear medicine diagnostics.

How to Spark Curiosity

1. Notice the unfamiliar on your daily commute and learn what it is.

2. Pick a word you don’t know and find its meaning.

3. Learn something new from someone in a different generation.

You don’t have to be a math genius to change the world — just ask Veronica Annala. In this inspiring Student Spotlight, Danielle sits down with Veronica, a recent Texas A&M nuclear engineering graduate and founder of the Nuclear Advocacy Resource Organization (NARO).

Diagnosed with dyslexia and dyscalculia, Veronica shares how she built her own study systems, cried through calculus — and still emerged as a leader in the next generation of clean energy advocacy.

They unpack the birth of NARO, how a trip to Antarctica sparked her nuclear “a-ha” moment, and why Veronica is now pursuing an MBA to scale the movement even further. From grassroots posters to national policy, this conversation is about curiosity, audacity, and rewriting the narrative around who belongs in STEM.

• Overcoming dyslexia and dyscalculia in engineering

• The impact of great teachers and inclusive classrooms

• Founding NARO and building student-led nuclear movements

• Veronica’s decision to pursue an MBA for nonprofit leadership

• Get involved with NARO

•  “Why a Texas A&M Student Went Nuclear on College Gameday” – U.S. DOE

•  Read NARO Papers – TRIGA Reactors

Thanks for tuning in. In this episode, Danielle highlights four in-demand skilled trades in the nuclear energy industry that require months to years of training instead of a doctorate. For each trade, we cover:

1. Commercial Diving

   • Specialized HAZMAT diving in irradiated environments

   • Historical roots, real-world challenges, and a “day in the life”

   • Training pathways, costs, salary ranges, and union vs. non-union options

2. Concrete Masonry

   • Building and finishing ultra-low-permeability containment structures

   • Apprenticeships vs. trade-school certificates

   • Typical project durations, pay, and professional bodies

3. Pipefitting

   • Installing high-precision coolant, steam, and service piping

   • NCCER’s 16-module curriculum and UA apprenticeships

   • Outage vs. new-build work, salary insights, and key associations

4. HVAC

   • Maintaining clean-room and safety-critical climate systems

   • 3–5 year apprenticeships, technical diplomas, and NATE/EPA certifications

   • Day-to-day tasks, pay scale, and union/open-shop routes

RESOURCES

• Divers Institute of Technology (World Nuclear Diving module):
  https://diversinstitute.edu/world-nuclear-diving/

• Pro Diver School: https://prodivertc.com

• Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI): https://www.adc-int.org/

• Diver Certification Board of Canada (DCBC):https://www.divercertification.com/more-info/careers-in-diving/

• American Concrete Institute (ACI): https://www.concrete.org/

• International Masonry Institute (IMI): https://www.imiweb.org/

• NCCER Pipefitting Craft Catalog: https://www.nccer.org/craft-catalog/pipefitting/

• United Association (UA): https://ua.org/pipefitters/

• American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE): https://www.aspe.org/

• EPA Section 608 Certification: https://www.epa.gov/section608

• North American Technician Excellence (NATE): https://www.natex.org/

• HVAC Engineer Job Description: https://altea-energy.com/sheets/hvac-engineer-nuclear-energy-jobs/

After-Pop! Episode: What the Heck is a Hot Cell?

In this After-Pop! Danielle breaks down the mysterious world of nuclear hot cells—shielded enclosures that let scientists safely handle some of the most radioactive materials on Earth. From spent nuclear fuel to life-saving radiopharmaceuticals, hot cells are the unsung heroes of nuclear science and medicine.

✨ What We Cover:

• What hot cells are and why they matter

• How they look and operate (hello, robotic arms!)

• The different types of hot cells: standard, GMP, mini cells, and mobile

• The crucial role they play in nuclear fuel reprocessing, reactor safety, medical isotope production, and more

• A look ahead at innovations in automation and training

🎧 Listen to our full episode with Marcellus Boykin, where we first touched on hot cells and other nuclear workforce innovations: [LINK TO EPISODE]

🔗 Learn more about hot cells:

• The Buzz on Hot Cells – Westinghouse Blog

• Von Gahlen Hot Cells Overview

• GlobalSpec: Hot Cells Explained

Got questions about hot cells or other nuclear tech? leave a comment or follow us on LinkedIn