Naked Nuclear

Have you ever met a legend? In this final episode of our Women’s History Month series, Danielle sits down with Lisa Marshall, President of the American Nuclear Society (ANS) and longtime Director of Outreach and Engagement for NC State’s Department of Nuclear Engineering.

For over two decades, Lisa has been a tireless champion for students, a trailblazer in outreach and retention strategies, and a visionary leader within the nuclear space.

From building one of the nation’s leading outreach programs from scratch to her presidency at ANS, Lisa shares her journey with wisdom, humility, and humor.

🔹 In this episode, we cover:

• How Lisa built a career by saying yes to opportunities — and how you can too
• What retention really means in a nuclear engineering program
• Professional (not “soft”) skills every student needs but rarely gets taught
• Advice for women entering STEM fields and how to stop disqualifying yourself
• What it’s really like being ANS President — and how many flights it takes to lead the industry
• Her love of science fiction, roti, and futuristic green cities with tiny homes

💡 Quote to remember:
"How dare you not give your talents to an industry that has such an impact on society—not only within the United States, but internationally." — Lisa Marshall

🧠 Perfect for:
Aspiring nuclear engineers, students navigating STEM fields, educators passionate about retention, or anyone curious about the human side of nuclear energy.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• American Nuclear Society
• NC State Nuclear Engineering
• ANS Nuclear 101 Certificate Program

✨ Stay tuned for Season Two, where we dive deep into nuclear education, career pathways, and how YOU can transition into the industry.

In this special Women's History Month spotlight, we sit down with Rachel Love, a seasoned project manager in the nuclear industry, to explore the invaluable skills of leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability. Rachel shares her unique career journey from pre-law to nuclear engineering, the challenges of high-pressure environments, and how leadership rooted in empathy can drive successful projects.

From navigating midnight crisis calls to ensuring critical fuel equipment meets stringent safety standards, Rachel's experience offers a compelling look into what it takes to manage teams and projects in an industry as complex as nuclear energy. She discusses the importance of receiving and integrating feedback, the power of teamwork, and the evolving role of women in STEM fields.

Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a project manager looking for leadership insights, or someone curious about the nuclear sector, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways and career wisdom.

Episode Highlights:

• (00:01:00) The parallels between great project managers and sports coaches

• (00:02:30) Rachel's journey from pre-law to nuclear engineering

• (00:06:45) Lessons from high-pressure work environments and handling 3 AM problem-solving calls

• (00:10:00) The transition from project engineer to project manager and the unexpected emotional challenges of leadership

• (00:15:30) How feedback strengthens leadership and why self-awareness is key

• (00:22:00) Managing stress in the workplace and fostering a culture of collaboration

• (00:26:00) Rachel’s experience as a woman in nuclear engineering and her perspective on the industry’s inclusivity

• (00:28:30) Advice for women entering STEM and the importance of resilience and adaptability

• (00:32:00) Rapid-fire questions: Rachel’s dream TED Talk, futuristic city design, and career-defining moments

Key Takeaways:

• Strong leadership is built on empathy, accountability, and effective problem-solving.

• Feedback—both giving and receiving—is essential for growth in technical and managerial roles.

• Women in nuclear engineering are thriving, and initiatives to encourage more young women into STEM are making a difference.

• The nuclear industry is one of the safest and most highly regulated sectors, thanks to lessons learned from historical incidents.

• The ability to adapt to high-pressure situations and navigate uncertainty is a critical skill in project management.

Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe to Naked Nuclear for more insightful conversations about nuclear energy and careers in the industry.

Next Up: We continue our Women's History Month series with more inspiring voices before launching Season 2: Nuclear Education! Stay tuned!

LINKED Resources:

⁠Study on workplace stress⁠

⁠Solutions to workplace stress⁠

⁠A wee bit of light reading on leadership⁠

In this special Women’s History Month episode, we dive into the world of nuclear advocacy, mentorship, and the wisdom of motherhood with Heather Hoff, Co-Founder and Vice President of Mothers for Nuclear, and Dr. Jennifer Klay, a nuclear physicist at Cal Poly and Secretary of the organization. Together, we explore how mothers, educators, and industry professionals are shaping the future of nuclear energy.

From the role of storytelling in advocacy to keeping Diablo Canyon open, to tackling the nuclear waste conversation with communities, Heather and Jennifer share their unique experiences and insights into why diversity of thought is essential in the nuclear industry.

• The origins of Mothers for Nuclear and why moms make powerful advocates for clean energy.
• How the younger generation is shifting perspectives on nuclear energy.
• The pivotal role of storytelling in changing the narrative around nuclear power.
• The challenges and rewards of being women in the nuclear field.
• Consent-based siting and why community engagement is key in nuclear waste storage.
• The importance of mentorship and education in nuclear energy.

Stay curious and join us for this inspiring conversation that challenges assumptions, celebrates scientific curiosity, and highlights the power of advocacy.

📢 Learn More & Get Involved:
🌍 Mothers for Nuclear – Explore their mission and how to get involved.

⚛️

👩‍👧‍👦

📩 Connect with Us: Follow Naked Nuclear for more insightful conversations on the future of energy.

🔔 Subscribe & Follow
Don’t miss our Women’s History Month series, featuring inspiring leaders in nuclear energy—from students to industry pioneers. Subscribe to Naked Nuclear and follow us on social media to stay updated on the latest episodes.

#NuclearEnergy #MothersForNuclear #CleanEnergy #WomenInSTEM #NakedNuclear #DiabloCanyon #EnergyAdvocacy

Join us as we spotlight women in the nuclear industry.

One of our previous episodes with Caroline Cooley showcases how she became a radiation protection technician:

My yoga teacher, the tree-hugging radiation protection technician...In this episode of Naked Nuclear, host Danielle speaks with Caroline Cooley, a tree-hugging, Prius-driving, vegetarian yoga teacher who unexpectedly found her way into the nuclear industry as a Radiation Protection Technician.

Caroline shares her journey from corporate America to working alongside her husband in the nuclear field, offering insights into the roles and responsibilities of decontamination workers and radiation protection technicians. They discuss the safety protocols, personal protective equipment used, and the exposure levels to radiation, debunking some common misconceptions about the industry.

Caroline also touches on how her background in yoga helps her remain calm and handle fear in this demanding job. This episode provides a unique look at a non-traditional career path, the evolving diversity in the nuclear industry, and the importance of stringent safety measures. Listeners will also learn about pathways into the field and the potential for travel and financial benefits.00:00 Introduction to Caroline Cooley00:27 Diving into Nuclear Reactors01:00 Getting Started in the Nuclear Industry02:14 Roles and Responsibilities of a Radiation Protection Technician03:31 Safety Measures and Equipment07:03 Radiation Exposure and Monitoring13:11 Career Path and Personal Journey17:54 Diversity and Evolution in the Nuclear Field19:46 Nuclear Safety and Environmental Impact20:51 Yoga and Mindfulness in Nuclear Work22:52 Rapid-Fire Questions and Fun Facts26:20 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Looking for where to get started as an RP?

Cape Fear Community College Nuclear Technology

https://cfcc.edu/nuclear-technology/

Westinghouse RP Program 

https://westinghousenuclear.com/media/zhdbuk4m/how-to-become-an-rp-technician-2024.pdf

https://westinghousenuclear.com/operating-plants/outage-services/rp-alara/radiation-protection-training/

Wanna learn more about radiation levels?  

Radiation Levels:

https://www.epa.gov/radiation/radiation-sources-and-doses

https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/5-radioactive-products-we-use-every-day

Sober Spaces at Jam Band Concerts

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/looking-for-sober-friends-at-a-concert-find-the-deadheads-with-a-yellow-balloon

Revealing the True Role of Landmen in the Energy Sector

In this episode, we take a closer look at the essential role of landmen in the energy industry, debunking Hollywood stereotypes and exploring their function as intermediaries between energy companies and landowners. Veteran landman Doug Sandridge, with 49 years of experience, shares insights on how their work extends beyond oil and gas to include nuclear energy and renewables.

Discussion covers the ethical aspects of land usage, fair negotiations with indigenous communities, and how the expertise of landmen could be pivotal in the future of energy projects.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:56 Understanding the Role of a Landman

01:33 Landmen in the Energy Sector

02:25 Real-World Examples and Importance

03:45 Ethics and Indigenous Communities

05:35 Future of Landmen in Energy

06:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Read Article #1 Here!

And Article #2 Here!

Naked Nuclear Explores: Land Back Movement and Nuclear Advocacy with Doug SandridgeIn this episode of Naked Nuclear, the discussion pivots to the intersections between the Land Back movement and nuclear energy advocacy. Danielle and guest Doug Sandridge, Vice President of Fulcrum Energy Captial Funds, with 49 years in the oil and gas industry and now a nuclear advocate, delve into his evolving stance toward nuclear energy and efforts to save the Diablo Canyon Power Plant.

They explore how indigenous tribes, particularly the ytt (Northern Chumash), strive to reclaim their ancestral land in San Luis Obispo, California, amidst political and environmental challenges. Details from Doug’s Substack articles on the ytt tribe’s ongoing struggle highlight these themes.00:27 Real Life Landman and Oil Industry Insights01:55 Nuclear Advocacy Journey06:58 Land Back Movement and YTT Tribe11:31 Historical Context and Diablo Canyon14:46 Tribe's Efforts to Reclaim Land19:04 Intersection of Advocacy and Land Back20:34 Current Challenges and Future Hopes28:22 Rapid Fire Questions with Doug32:47 Conclusion and Season Preview

Read Part 1 of Doug's Article

And if you thought part 1 was great... Here's part 2

How to support ytt and their efforts

Who's Mark Nelson?

Black History Month Spotlight: Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson - Pioneering Physicist and Innovator

Learn about her early life, groundbreaking research in condensed matter physics, and contributions to telecommunications technology like touch-tone phones and fiber optic cables. Her leadership in nuclear policy and academia has left an indelible mark on science and technology, inspiring future generations, especially women of color in STEM.

Tune in to discover the incredible legacy of Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson!

Read her bio in the National Women's Hall of Fame

More about Dr. Jackson from RPI

Watch Dr. Jackson on 'Finding Your Roots'

Black History Month Spotlight on William D. Magwood IV

From his working-class roots in Pittsburgh to his role as the Director General of the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency, Bill's journey is explored, highlighting his contributions to U.S. nuclear policy, international technology cooperation, and workforce development.

The episode delves into the challenges in nuclear expansion and emphasizes Bill's belief in the pivotal role of nuclear power in meeting climate and energy security goals.

Bill Magwood's Role at Nuclear Energy Agency

Lecture on Radiological Protections (Lecture begins at 23:00)

Bill Magwood on Power Hungry Podcast

It's an alphabet soup, but somebody's gotta break it down.

Discover the benefits, safety measures, and future potentials of each type. Stick around as we delve deeper into nuclear energy's role in powering our world, its safety, sustainability, and the innovative designs on the horizon.

In this episode of Naked Nuclear, Danielle sits down with Steve Rea, the 2024 recipient of the American Nuclear Society Landis Public Communication and Education Award.

Steve, a 30-year nuclear industry veteran, discusses his transition to public education and nuclear advocacy in North Carolina. From his beginnings in nuclear chemistry in high school to forming the Nuclear Advisory Council, Steve shares insights on the role of diverse energy sources and the importance of communicating nuclear technology's safety and benefits to various stakeholders.

Tune in to learn how Steve connects industry knowledge with public education to shape the future of nuclear energy.

00:00 Connecting the Dots: Introduction to Steve Rea

00:35 Steve Rea's Journey in the Nuclear Industry

01:24 Nuclear Advocacy and Public Education

02:01 Steve's Early Interest in Nuclear Energy

04:59 The Formation of the Nuclear Advisory Council

10:02 Public Perception and Nuclear Technology

14:47 Diverse Energy Sources and Nuclear's Role

18:15 Legislation and Policy in Nuclear Energy

21:08 Workforce Development in Nuclear Energy

26:17 Rapid-Fire Questions with Steve Rea

29:06 Conclusion and Future Episodes

Some of the companies listed in this episode: 

Duke Energy

Heyward Inc

Siemens Water Technology 

GE Hitachi 

Kairos Power

Terrestrial Energy

BWXT

Nucor 

NC State Nuclear Engineering Program

Cape Fear Community College