Naked Nuclear

In this episode, we continue Season 2 with our second Student Spotlight, featuring Marcellus Boykin, a PhD student in nuclear engineering at Georgia Tech. Marcellus shares his journey from math major and football player to shielding sensors in hot cells at Idaho National Lab, presenting at ANS, and navigating imposter syndrome in graduate school.

Learn how he went from:

math --> mechanical engineering --> nuclear engineering

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about the GEM Fellowship

• Explore Georgia Tech’s Nuclear Engineering Program

• Find internships at Idaho National Laboratory

Listen & Subscribe: Follow Naked Nuclear on your favorite podcast platform and stay tuned for more student spotlights, industry insights, and the future of nuclear energy.

In this episode of Naked Nuclear, Danielle sits down with Dr. Rebecca Steinman, PhD and the American Nuclear Society (ANS) to explore Nuclear 101—a hands-on, introductory course designed not just for engineers, but for anyone curious about the nuclear energy industry.

Whether you're a welder, museum curator, communicator, or career changer, this episode reveals why now is the perfect time to step into nuclear. We also explore ANS's broader efforts in workforce development, including the Certified Nuclear Professional (CNP) certificate.

• The Nuclear 101 course was created to make the industry more accessible and train newcomers beyond traditional four-year degrees.

• Course attendees have included museum staff, communicators, welders, and logistics professionals—proving the nuclear workforce is broader than you might expect.

• ANS is building out online versions of Nuclear 101 and future offerings like “Nuclear 102” and “Radiation Protection Basics.”

• The Certified Nuclear Professional (CNP) certificate is a new credential for professionals without nuclear degrees to showcase their understanding of the field.

• All of these programs were developed by volunteers across the industry—from utility experts to regulatory professionals and early-career engineers.

• 🔗 Nuclear 101 Course Info & Registration
  https://www.ans.org/nuclear101/

• 🔗 Certified Nuclear Professional (CNP) Certificate Program
  https://www.ans.org/credentialing/cnp/

• 🔗 ANS Education & Training Portal
  https://www.ans.org/education/

• 🔗 ANS Annual Conference (Chicago, June 15–19, 2025)
  https://www.ans.org/meetings/

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Rate the show, leave a review, subscribe to Naked Nuclear, and share this episode with someone curious about the nuclear field.

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In this After-Pop!, host Danielle explores the rise of commercial nuclear propulsion and how companies like CORE Power are reimagining the future of maritime shipping. Unlike military nuclear propulsion systems, these next-gen commercial systems are designed to be safe, scalable, and fully integrated with international safeguards.

This episode covers:

• The technical differences between military nuclear propulsion and commercial nuclear electric propulsion
• Why advanced reactors like molten salt designs are ideal for maritime applications
• What Emergency Planning Zones (EPZs) are and how they apply to floating reactors
• The roles of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
• Why the first nuclear-powered trade routes will likely be limited to specific corridors

Resources and Further Reading

• World Nuclear Association – Nuclear-Powered Ships Overviewhttps://world-nuclear.org/information-library/non-power-nuclear-applications/transport/nuclear-powered-ships.aspx

• CORE Power – Maritime Nuclear Propulsion
  https://www.corepower.energy/maritime-applications/nuclear-propulsion
• CORE Power – Security and Safeguards
  https://www.corepower.energy/standards-and-regulations/security-and-safeguards
• CORE Power – Embracing Nuclear Propulsion in Ports (Interview)
  https://www.corepower.energy/news/interview-embracing-nuclear-propulsion-in-ports
• IEEE Spectrum – Can Nuclear Power Cargo Ships Clean Up Shipping?
  https://spectrum.ieee.org/nuclear-powered-cargo-ship
• Business Norway – The Future of Nuclear-Powered Ships
  https://businessnorway.com/articles/the-future-of-nuclear-powered-ships

Nuclear-powered cargo ships might sound like science fiction—but CORE Power is making them a science reality. In this episode of Naked Nuclear, Danielle sits down with Tobi Menzies and Dr. Rory Megginson from CORE Power to explore how molten chloride fast reactors (MCFRs) and floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs) could transform global shipping.

We dive into the engineering, the policy, the people—and the programs—needed to build a clean maritime future. From international emissions policy to student research programs to training industry professionals, CORE Power isn’t just designing reactors. They’re designing the entire ecosystem.

00:00 – Introduction: From Steam to Salt Reactors
03:10 – Why Nuclear Shipping? Global Trade and Climate Math
08:30 – What Is a Molten Chloride Fast Reactor (MCFR)?
15:00 – Floating Nuclear Power Plants (FNPPs) Explained
18:20 – Lava Lamps and Fast Neutrons: MCFR Recap
19:30 – Why Shipping Needs a Nuclear Upgrade
23:00 – The Academic Resource Program: Supporting Student Research
26:10 – Internships and Entry Paths into Nuclear Maritime Careers
28:20 – The Convoy Program: Training the Industry Itself
34:30 – From Shipowners to Port Authorities: Who Needs to Learn?
39:00 – CORE Power’s Vision for 2040 and Beyond
42:00 – How to Get Involved with CORE Power

CORE Power website: 

https://www.corepower.energy

Academic Resource Program info:

https://www.corepower.energy/academic-resources

Convoy Corporate Training Program: https://www.corepower.energy/convoy

Nuclear Shipping & FNPP Overview: https://www.corepower.energy/maritime-applications/nuclear-propulsion

📬 Sign up for CORE Power’s newsletter: https://www.corepower.energy/contact

🔗 Resources & Links:

IMO 2023 Strategy on Greenhouse Gas Reductions:

https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Environment/Pages/2023-IMO-Strategy-on-Reduction-of-GHG-Emissions-from-Ships.aspx

NEMO Website:

https://www.nemo.ngo/mission

Some Light Reading on Nuclear Powered Ships:

https://world-nuclear.org/information-library/non-power-nuclear-applications/transport/nuclear-powered-ships

In this episode, we dive into the world of scholarships, grants, and fellowships available for students at various academic levels and fields, particularly within the nuclear sector, STEM, and the energy world.

We dispel the myth that scholarships are only for top high school students, revealing opportunities for diverse groups including veterans, career changers, and students pursuing trade and two-year degrees.

There's practical advice on how to successfully apply for these scholarships, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, organization, and broad application strategies.

A complete list of all of the scholarships and opportunities can be found on our blog at nakednuclear.com

In this After-Pop, Danielle breaks down Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) — a precision cancer treatment that uses nuclear science to selectively target tumors while sparing healthy tissue.

You’ll learn:
– What boron is and how it works inside cancer cells
– How neutron beams are made (yes, actual beams of neutrons!)
– What “epithermal neutrons” are and why they matter
– Who could benefit from BNCT and why it’s gaining traction again
– How newer technologies are making BNCT more accessible worldwide

Whether you're a curious student, a medical science nerd, or just someone who loves smart bombs for tumors, this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways:
--BNCT is a two-part therapy using boron and neutron beams to destroy cancer cells with incredible precision.

--Epithermal neutrons are ideal for this process because they penetrate tissue effectively but still slow down enough to interact with boron.

--The particles created from the boron-neutron reaction only travel about the width of a single cell — keeping the damage ultra-local.

--BNCT is gaining renewed interest due to better boron delivery agents and compact accelerator-based neutron sources.
🔹 It’s especially promising for hard-to-treat cancers like glioblastomas, melanomas, and head and neck tumors.

Want to go deeper? Here are the sources referenced in this episode:

• Barth RF, Mi P, Yang W. (2018). Boron neutron capture therapy of cancer: current status and future prospects. Journal of Clinical Oncology and Cancer Research. PMC article

• IAEA (2020). Current Status of Neutron Capture Therapy. IAEA Human Health Series. IAEA PDF

• Miyatake S, et al. (2021). Boron neutron capture therapy: Clinical experiences and future challenges. Frontiers in Oncology. Frontiers article

What do candlelit homework, career pivots, and global nuclear leadership have in common? Dr. Fiona Rayment.

In this episode, Danielle speaks with internationally respected nuclear chemist and engineer Dr. Fiona Rayment about her early experiences with energy insecurity, her path through a diverse and powerful career, and the future of workforce development in the nuclear industry.

Together they explore:
– Why your first role doesn't have to be your forever one
– How to tell when you've lost your spark (and how to get it back)
– The surprising variety of roles across the nuclear sector
– What “Destination Nuclear” is doing to bust old stereotypes
– Why gender diversity isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s critical
– Regulatory innovation and how to accelerate new technologies responsibly

This episode is packed with real-world insights for anyone navigating their own career journey, mentoring others, or building tomorrow’s energy workforce.

Resources & Links:
🔗 Destination Nuclear → https://www.destinationnuclear.com

🔗 Nuclear Skills Delivery Group (NSDG) → https://nuclearskillsdeliverygroup.com
🔗 Learn more about Dr. Fiona Rayment → https://nuclearinst.com/dr-fiona-rayment-obe

Wanna learn more about historical women in science?

https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/women-in-stem

Relearning Science Vs. Plucking Eyebrows: Unpacking Public Perceptions of STEMIn this episode of Naked Nuclear, host Danielle explores the surprising responses to a viral TikTok 'Would You Rather' question comparing re-taking science classes with plucking eyebrows. Danielle delves into why science education can be inspiring for some and traumatic for others. Discussing research and personal anecdotes, she highlights the challenges faced by educators and the systemic issues within STEM education. The episode advocates for creating engaging and enjoyable science learning experiences, utilizing modern media tools, and fostering curiosity to mend the public's relationship with science, crucial for future technological and environmental advancements.00:00 Introduction and Viral TikTok Question01:13 The Emotional Impact of Science Education03:47 Personal Experiences with Science Teachers05:28 Making Science Enjoyable and Accessible07:38 Innovative Tools and Media in Science Education08:35 Rebuilding Trust in Science10:49 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this student spotlight featuring Sarah Cole, a nuclear fuels researcher, we explore her academic journey from high school during COVID-19 to becoming a senior at Boise State University.

Sarah discusses her experiences with internships, nuclear materials research, and building a strong network within the nuclear industry.

She offers valuable advice on applying for scholarships, securing letters of recommendation, and making the most of your undergraduate years. Tune in to learn how Sarah successfully funded her education and her plans for a future in nuclear engineering.

In this episode of Naked Nuclear, host Danielle sits down with Kelli Davis, Program Director of the Nuclear Technology Program at Cape Fear Community College. From her start as a nuclear chemist to becoming an advocate for building the next generation of nuclear workers, Kelli shares her inspiring career path, insights into nuclear maintenance training, and why this career is more than just a job—it's a lifestyle.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• The unique journey Kelli took from chemistry to nuclear education

• What Cape Fear’s Nuclear Maintenance Technician program includes

• Why behaviors and coachability matter more than technical background

• How the industry is evolving with small modular reactors and a growing need for workforce development

• Real talk about union vs. non-union plants, upward mobility, and career satisfaction in nuclear

👩‍🏫 Who This Is For:

• High school grads and career changers interested in hands-on work

• Curious minds exploring pathways into the nuclear industry

• Families, advisors, and educators helping students find purposeful careers

🛠️ Classes Offered at Cape Fear:

• Welding, reactor theory, hydraulics & pneumatics, non-destructive testing, primary systems, and more

🌍 Kelli’s Big Message: “You don’t need to grow up wanting to be a nuclear worker to become one. You just need the right mindset, a little mechanical aptitude, and a willingness to learn.”

📬 Connect with Kelli:
Learn more at Cape Fear Community College
Email: [email protected]

💬 Have a question or want to suggest a topic?
Email Danielle at [email protected]

🎧 Subscribe, rate, and stay curious.
Season 2 of Naked Nuclear is your inside look at nuclear education—from trade schools to industry. Whether you're thinking about your future or helping someone else shape theirs, we’ve got you covered.