Good morning from the very sunny Wilmington,NC and welcome to a #DayInTheLife of Julianna VenDouern, a systems engineer in Gen IV reactors at @gehnuclear! pic.twitter.com/2SG9NNFymp
— U.S. WIN (@WomenInNuclear) June 7, 2023
I now work at GE Hitachi on Gen IV reactors, specifically sodium fast reactors. In addition to working at GEH, I am enrolled to go back and get my master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering at NC State this fall!
— U.S. WIN (@WomenInNuclear) June 7, 2023
So let’s start out with what a Gen IV reactor actually is! A generation IV nuclear reactor is the next step in nuclear energy. The Gen IV international forum has chosen 6 reactor technologies for further investigation after numerous designs. pic.twitter.com/AxdESM5mQM
— U.S. WIN (@WomenInNuclear) June 7, 2023
In the US, we have already built and operated sodium fast reactors. The longest operating being Experimental Breeder Reactor II, also known as EBR-II which was designed, built, and operated by Argonne National Lab (site is now owned by Idaho National Lab).
— U.S. WIN (@WomenInNuclear) June 7, 2023
So how does a sodium fast reactor work? Well starting with the sodium portion, a sodium fast reactor uses liquid sodium metal as the coolant and heat transfer medium for the reactor.
— U.S. WIN (@WomenInNuclear) June 7, 2023
Let’s get into the fast neutron portion. BWR and PWR nuclear plants use thermal neutrons, meaning that the neutrons are slowed down to help them interact to fission with the fuel. This isn’t the case in a fast reactor.
— U.S. WIN (@WomenInNuclear) June 7, 2023
Despite being a nuclear engineer (neutrons should be absolutely my jam) I work on the systems side, which supports what’s happening in the core. Here’s a look at what some of those systems look like in a sodium fast reactor (image via Idaho National Lab). pic.twitter.com/8FkpSnMy2Z
— U.S. WIN (@WomenInNuclear) June 7, 2023
That primary sodium then heats secondary (sometimes called intermediate sodium) through a heat exchanger. This is done so that the primary sodium which is activated in the core is not part of the heat conversion side of the power plant.
— U.S. WIN (@WomenInNuclear) June 7, 2023
That primary sodium then heats secondary (sometimes called intermediate sodium) through a heat exchanger. This is done so that the primary sodium which is activated in the core is not part of the heat conversion side of the power plant.
— U.S. WIN (@WomenInNuclear) June 7, 2023
I am working currently on collecting operating experience on previous sodium fast reactors from all over the world so that we can learn from issues and improvements made on those plants. This is such an important part of designing any new plant.
— U.S. WIN (@WomenInNuclear) June 7, 2023
I’ll be back in a little after getting some work and meetings out of the way to head into the office! Later today I’ll be sharing a little about my DEI experience, specifically celebrating pride month and being your authentic self in the work place by speaking on a panel!
— U.S. WIN (@WomenInNuclear) June 7, 2023
Just finished up the panel! It was a great experience in which 170 GE employees came together to learn about the importance of bringing your authentic self to work. I shared my experience of being closeted and then coming out and being myself at work.
— U.S. WIN (@WomenInNuclear) June 7, 2023
And 20% have looked for another job.
In the nuclear industry, we need talented individuals to enter into the workforce and stay in the workforce so making sure the environment is inclusive is a big deal.— U.S. WIN (@WomenInNuclear) June 7, 2023
Since coming out in all aspects of my life, I have felt less anxiety about accidentally outing myself and feel much more confident in my life and that translates over into my work as well.
— U.S. WIN (@WomenInNuclear) June 7, 2023
Here is a quick picture snapped in front of the @gehnuclear Wilmington sign (decorated for pride month) with our panelists and Pride Alliance Board members. (I’m on the far right). pic.twitter.com/xyS2JSHJ42
— U.S. WIN (@WomenInNuclear) June 7, 2023
I’m spending the rest of my afternoon working in the office on more of my operating experience report from this morning.
— U.S. WIN (@WomenInNuclear) June 7, 2023
This video is a must watch to learn about EBR-II! https://t.co/oLeZY1cspp
— U.S. WIN (@WomenInNuclear) June 7, 2023
Here is a link to learn more about advanced reactor projects from the Department of Energy! https://t.co/XISfXSAAEa
— U.S. WIN (@WomenInNuclear) June 7, 2023
Also, if you haven’t already, register for the US WIN National conference! I’ll be there and would love to say hello to everyone.
— U.S. WIN (@WomenInNuclear) June 7, 2023
I am heading home for the day! It’s been great taking you through a #dayinthelife and I hope that you learned something new or at least got excited about the cool things we’re doing in the Gen IV reactor realm!
— U.S. WIN (@WomenInNuclear) June 7, 2023