Education/Certifications:

• B.S., Computer Science, South Carolina State University, 2009
• M.B.A., concentration in Project Management, Strayer University, 2012
• M.S.I.S, Information Systems Management, Strayer University, 2020

Employment:

• Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC; Sr. IT Technical & Business Analyst (2021 – Present)
• Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC; Senior Computer Security Engineer (2018 – 2021)
• CB&I/Areva MOX Services, LLC; Software Applications Engineer II (2009 – 2018)

Why did you choose the nuclear field or how did you end up in the nuclear field?

I ended up in the nuclear field through an internship and partnership in 2008 with South Carolina State University (Orangeburg, SC) and Shaw/Areva Federal Services at Savannah River Site (SRS) in 2008. The summer of 2008, I became a software design intern and learned a lot about my group, the project (MOX Project) I was working on, and SRS’s history, mission, and various career opportunities.  I also enjoyed the people I got to meet during my internship, some of whom are friends to this day. Upon returning to SCSU for my senior year, I was offered a full-time position in the group with which I was an intern. Since this time, my career and opportunities in the nuclear industry has blossomed. I am grateful for the education and internship that set me on this path, and I hope that students today will see the importance of internships as it is often the first foot in the door.

What advice do you have for women in the nuclear field?

Be the change you seek. You belong in the room, at the table, the head of the table, and you even have the capability to create new rooms. Never feel that you are inadequate in this male-dominated industry. Don’t be afraid to go after what you want and seek new opportunities. Then, as you grow, don’t be afraid to be a light to the next generation of women in nuclear.

What is your favorite work memory or accomplishment?

My favorite work accomplishment is becoming one of the seven founders in establishing and chartering the Savannah River Site – Women in Nuclear (SRS-WIN) chapter in Aiken, SC at Savannah River Site in 2015. Not only was I a founder, but I also became the inaugural public outreach chair from 2015 – 2019 and just completed my presidency/chairing of the chapter from 2019-2022. We started out as an extremely small chapter with fewer than 20 members, but the organization now has well more than 500 members. During my tenure as inaugural public outreach chair, SRS-WIN became a national and local award-winning chapter as the “Most Reactive Chapter” in 2016 during National Nuclear Science Week, “Best T-Shirt Design” in 2016 for the University Hospital Miracle Mile Breast Cancer Walk, and earned the SRS nickname of “Boots on the Ground.” From our extensive work in the community and contributions to the nuclear industry, I was nominated by my chapter and won the U.S. WIN Region II Leadership Award in 2018.