|
I’m currently the Director of Capability at NIRO (Nuclear Innovation and Research Office) and a senior advisor to the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero.
Route into nuclear
I’ve always had a strong interest in the Environment and in particular climate change. I initially studied Environmental Science at University and joined the nuclear sector as a post-graduate at a time when nuclear power wasn’t as widely recognised (as it is now) as a source of green energy. My career started working as a research scientist, which I did for over 10 years in a variety of roles at Sellafield, Springfield and Risely. I was really fortunate to support a number of international programmes with the IAEA and US national laboratories and to work with a number of universities who all were undertaking really interesting nuclear research.
I moved into a role in NNL’s Strategy team nearly 10 years ago to specifically look at the resource requirements needed for future business aspirations and to understand how the changing nuclear landscape would affect our colleagues in the sector moving forward. That role grew into overseeing NNL’s Early Career programmes, Learning and Development activities and establishing a strong Equality, Diversity and Inclusion focus for the Lab within the HR function.
Two years ago I moved across to NIRO and into my current role. I felt the sector was going through a really pivotal point with a new opportunity for nuclear power to play a significant role in the UK’s energy mix, helping to decarbonise hard-to-abate industries through advanced reactors and I was interested in understanding further the inner workings of Government and the how it develops new policy. It’s a great role for me, as it links my scientific interests and industry knowledge with supporting to thrive in a new era. I’ve got a great oversight of the entire nuclear sector and I get to bring my career knowledge from both the Science and HR side of things together, working with an amazing array of people.
Professional Membership
As a member of the institute, I have access to a network of professional people from right across the sector. I get to hear about activities happening in other organisations and I’m able to contribute to the Institute’s publications, campaigns, conferences and events which are always fun.
Being a member of the Nuclear Institute and now a Fellow means that I’ve demonstrated my resolve to maintain and enhance the knowledge, skills and competence required to meet the demands of my job within the sector. I feel it gives me credibility when dealing with world-renowned experts and demonstrates to others how much I value the Institute.
Application Process
The application process for FNucl may, at first, seem daunting. However, it's really not! I think as professionals we often forget just how much knowledge and experience we’ve gathered over our careers. I found applying to be a Fellow was quite cathartic, the process asks for candidates to reflect on activities which they have done which demonstrate the key attributes to being a Fellow. I found myself reminiscing about lots of good experiences and identifying key pivotal points in my career which have guided me onto the career path I have today.
The future
I continue to be fascinated by the nuclear industry and the huge array of avenues in which nuclear science and technology can benefit society. I hope that the global nuclear resurgence delivers new nuclear technologies within the UK and that international collaboration continues to break down boundaries. It’s interesting times politically and technologically for the sector and I’m still as excited by it today as I was when I first started in the industry 20 years ago!
|