U.S. Women in Nuclear’s 2025 Professional Development Week delivered a powerful lineup of technical insights, leadership-focused learning, and industry-wide perspectives—all squarely supporting Strategic Objective 3: Provide professional and leadership development opportunities for our members.

Across three webinars and two Professional Development Library offerings, members gained access to innovations shaping the nuclear sector today: AI integration, robotics, digital modernization, advanced fuels, and the resurgence of nuclear plant restarts driven by the demands of the digital economy. With presenters from TRISO-X, TerraPower, Urenco, Westinghouse, Nuclearn, Constellation, Missouri University, and multiple emerging technology companies, the week provided a high-impact learning experience rooted in practical expertise.

All sessions and materials will be available through the Professional Development Library, and all webinar recordings will be posted to the U.S. WIN YouTube channel, supporting equitable and long-term access.

Webinar Highlights

The Human-AI Alliance: Awakening a New Era in Nuclear Technology

Speakers: Laura Dudes (The Nuclear Co.), Theresa Clark (Everstar AI), and Nelli Babayan & Archie Manoharan (Microsoft)

This session explored practical AI applications across nuclear operations, licensing, and training. Presenters demonstrated how AI is already improving predictive maintenance, supporting licensing workloads, enhancing data visualization, and modernizing workforce development.

“Licensing modernization through AI is no longer a ‘future state’ conversation. It’s happening now.”
Laura Dudes, The Nuclear Company

The Reactor Awakens: The Force of Emerging Tech in Nuclear Energy

Speakers: Dr. Josh Brockman (Missouri University), Brian Carroll (Constellation), Lana Eilertson (TVA) and Sarah Peden (Nuclearn)

Presenters showcased advances in robotics, remote visualization tools, research reactor innovation, and the use of additive manufacturing to address supply chain challenges.

“Robotics and remote viewers allow us to see the plant in ways we simply couldn’t before.”
Brian Carroll, Constellation

“Innovation isn’t about replacing legacy systems, it’s about enhancing them for the next era.”
Lana Eilertson, TVA

“AI isn’t replacing people, it’s amplifying what our teams can do.”
Sarah Peden, Nuclearn

Fueling the Next Generation of Advanced Reactors

Speakers: Nick Linneen (TRISO-X), Colleen Kennedy (TerraPower), Alison Poortman (Urenco), Katerina Frederick (Westinghouse)

This webinar highlighted how advanced fuels enable reactors to run hotter, safer, longer, and more efficiently—supporting Gen IV designs and expanding deployment possibilities.

“Advanced fuel is the foundation of advanced reactors. Performance and safety start here.”
Nick Linneen, TRISO-X

“We’re shaping materials today that will power reactors for generations.”
Colleen Kennedy, TerraPower

Professional Development Library Additions

Global Shifts in Nuclear Energy Policy

This resource outlines international policy changes, emerging collaborations, and how global perspectives influence U.S. nuclear strategy.

What’s ‘Nu’? Nuclear Unit Restarts & the Demands of the Digital Age

This entry provides an in-depth look at the restart of the Crane Clean Energy Center (formerly Three Mile Island Unit 1), Holtec Palisades, and the newly announced restart of Duane Arnold—driven largely by agreements with Microsoft, Google, and Amazon.

“Data centers aren’t just disrupting the energy conversation, they’re reshaping the role of nuclear in America.”

Connecting to the U.S. WIN Strategic Objectives

PD Week delivered development opportunities that support career growth across the nuclear workforce:

• Technical readiness: Members gained exposure to AI tools, robotics, advanced fuels, and international policy shifts.

• Leadership capability: Presenters offered insights into decision-making, innovation adoption, licensing modernization, and long-term planning.

• Accessible, inclusive learning: All resources are available on-demand, ensuring members can access training regardless of schedule or career stage.

• Industry engagement: Sessions built bridges between utilities, developers, tech innovators, and academic partners—showcasing diverse career pathways and shared workforce challenges.