Episodes

What happens when a nuclear engineering PhD student realizes that the book she needed as a child… doesn’t exist? She writes it. In this episode of Naked Nuclear , Danielle sits down with Zola Hind , Jamaican-born computer scientist turned nuclear engineering researcher at Bangor University — and author of Island Energy Superhero: A Kids’ Guide to Energies in the Caribbean. From visualizing nuclear fuel behavior using astronomy-inspired methods… to printing her book in braille for visually impair...

In this episode, Danielle talks with Uchenna Ezibe about how the American Nuclear Society is shaping the future of nuclear education—starting as early as kindergarten. They dive into ANS's hands-on programs like cloud chambers, educator training, and the new Accelerators initiative for high schoolers. Learn how early exposure to nuclear concepts can spark student curiosity, close the literacy gap, and help build the next generation of clean energy professionals. Highlights: Why nuclear literacy ...

A crossover episode with Phil Zeringue of Nuclearn exploring nuclear workforce, culture, and innovation.

What exactly is plasma, and why are some of the world's brightest minds betting on fusion energy to power our future? In this episode of Naked Nuclear, host Danielle sits down with Dr. Arturo Dominguez — Head of Science Education at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) — to break it all down in plain language. From his own journey into plasma physics to PPPL's groundbreaking research, Dr. Dominguez shares how fusion works, why it matters, and how students everywhere can get involved. W...

Inside the Z Machine: The Most Powerful Pulse on Earth Following up on the Ryan Zerpa episode, Danielle breaks down the Z Machine at Sandia National Laboratories — a device that for billionths of a second unleashes more power than every electrical grid on Earth combined. Key topics: – What the Z Machine is and why it was built – How it works: capacitor banks, pulsed power, Z-pinch implosion – 80 terawatts vs Earth's 25 terawatts – Applications: nuclear stockpile stewardship, fusion research, mat...

In this Student Spotlight, we trace how childhood curiosity—sparked by Nikola Tesla and MythBusters—led Ryan Zerpa from building a Tesla coil in grade school to pursuing fusion research. Ryan shares how he reframed a mostly-fission undergrad at Purdue Nuclear Engineering into a launchpad for fusion, what he learned working around pulsed-power experiments like Sandia's Z Machine , and how Division I swimming forged the time-management and grit research demands. We unpack his plain-language way of...

What does it mean to be the #1 nuclear engineering program in the country? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Todd Allen , department chair of the University of Michigan's Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences (NERS) program, to explore the history, mission, and future of a department that blends technical excellence with human-centered education. From submarines to art tunnels, this conversation offers a 360° look at what makes Michigan a true nuclear powerhouse. We cover: How a studen...

What is Reactor Physics? Following up on the Ikhwan Khaleb episode, Danielle breaks down reactor physics — the science of keeping chain reactions balanced, safe, and useful. From the neutron lifecycle to criticality to the tools reactor physicists actually use. Key topics: – What reactor physics actually is (popcorn analogy!) – The neutron lifecycle: birth, fast childhood, slowing down, useful work, absorption – Criticality: subcritical, critical, and supercritical – Tools of the trade: neutron ...

Ikhwan Khaleb tells the story of moving from Malaysia to study in the University of Michigan's NERS program, learning reactor physics in a second language, and turning TikTok into a platform for clear, visual nuclear education. We cover UMich coursework and labs, cultural adaptation, the grind of an international job search, and how engineering work at Holtec fuels his social media explainers. Links & Resources University of Michigan — Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences (NERS) — departm...

Breaking into the nuclear industry can feel overwhelming, from specialized certifications and security clearances to jobs that never even make it to job boards. In this episode of Naked Nuclear , Danielle shares an exciting new partnership with Nuclear Talent Scout , the premier recruiting firm focused exclusively on nuclear energy. Together, Naked Nuclear and Nuclear Talent Scout are planting the seeds for the next generation of the nuclear workforce. From free resources at nucleartalentboost.c...

What makes someone stay at the same company for decades — or even generations? In this episode of Naked Nuclear , we sit down with Bob Duffy , Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of BWX Technologies (BWXT) , to explore what's behind the company's incredibly low attrition rate, its investment in early talent, and how it's preparing for the next generation of nuclear professionals. Bob shares how BWXT is going beyond traditional hiring — building weld schools in high schools, ra...

On this episode, we dive into the power of curiosity—how simple questions can spark revolutions in science, technology, and society. Inspired by a roadside observation, we explore why cultivating curiosity is critical at every level of society, from national parks to apprenticeships, and why funding the “discovery phase” of science pays off in ways we can’t always predict. While it’s often said that monarchs avoid the Great Lakes as if skirting a long-gone mountain, this is a myth. Monarchs use ...

You don't have to be a math genius to change the world — just ask Veronica Annala. In this inspiring Student Spotlight, Danielle sits down with Veronica, a recent Texas A&M nuclear engineering graduate and founder of the Nuclear Advocacy Resource Organization (NARO). Diagnosed with dyslexia and dyscalculia, Veronica shares how she built her own study systems, cried through calculus — and still emerged as a leader in the next generation of clean energy advocacy. They unpack the birth of NARO, how...

Thanks for tuning in. In this episode, Danielle highlights four in-demand skilled trades in the nuclear energy industry that require months to years of training instead of a doctorate. For each trade, we cover: Commercial Diving Specialized HAZMAT diving in irradiated environments Historical roots, real-world challenges, and a “day in the life” Training pathways, costs, salary ranges, and union vs. non-union options Concrete Masonry Building and finishing ultra-low-permeability containment struc...

What is a Hot Cell? In this After-Pop, Danielle breaks down hot cells — the shielded, robotic fortresses where scientists safely handle the most radioactive materials on Earth. Inspired by the Marcellus Boykin episode. You'll learn: – What hot cells are and why they exist – How operators use robotic arms through lead glass windows – The different types: standard, GMP, production, and mobile – Why hot cells are critical for nuclear medicine, fuel reprocessing, and reactor safety testing Full Tran...

In this episode, we continue Season 2 with our second Student Spotlight , featuring Marcellus Boykin, a PhD student in nuclear engineering at Georgia Tech. Marcellus shares his journey from math major and football player to shielding sensors in hot cells at Idaho National Lab, presenting at ANS, and navigating imposter syndrome in graduate school. Learn how he went from: math --> mechanical engineering --> nuclear engineering Links & Resources: Learn more about the GEM Fellowship Explore Georgia...

In this episode of Naked Nuclear , Danielle sits down with Dr. Rebecca Steinman, PhD and the American Nuclear Society (ANS) to explore Nuclear 101 —a hands-on, introductory course designed not just for engineers, but for anyone curious about the nuclear energy industry. Whether you're a welder, museum curator, communicator, or career changer, this episode reveals why now is the perfect time to step into nuclear. We also explore ANS's broader efforts in workforce development, including the Certif...

Nuclear Commercial Shipping Explained Following up on the CORE Power episode, Danielle dives into the differences between military and commercial nuclear propulsion, emergency planning zones, port safety, and the regulatory framework for nuclear-powered cargo ships. Key topics: – Military vs commercial nuclear ships – Nuclear propulsion vs nuclear electric propulsion – Emergency planning zones for maritime reactors – IAEA and IMO regulatory oversight – How dedicated trade routes will launch the ...

Nuclear-powered cargo ships might sound like science fiction—but CORE Power is making them a science reality. In this episode of Naked Nuclear , Danielle sits down with Tobi Menzies and Dr. Rory Megginson from CORE Power to explore how molten chloride fast reactors (MCFRs) and floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs) could transform global shipping. We dive into the engineering, the policy, the people—and the programs—needed to build a clean maritime future. From international emissions policy to s...

In this episode, we dive into the world of scholarships, grants, and fellowships available for students at various academic levels and fields, particularly within the nuclear sector, STEM, and the energy world. We dispel the myth that scholarships are only for top high school students, revealing opportunities for diverse groups including veterans, career changers, and students pursuing trade and two-year degrees. There's practical advice on how to successfully apply for these scholarships, empha...

In this After-Pop, Danielle breaks down Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) — a precision cancer treatment that uses nuclear science to selectively target tumors while sparing healthy tissue. You'll learn: – What boron is and how it works inside cancer cells – How neutron beams are made (yes, actual beams of neutrons!) – What "epithermal neutrons" are and why they matter – Who could benefit from BNCT and why it's gaining traction again – How newer technologies are making BNCT more accessible wo...

What do candlelit homework, career pivots, and global nuclear leadership have in common? Dr. Fiona Rayment. In this episode, Danielle speaks with internationally respected nuclear chemist and engineer Dr. Fiona Rayment about her early experiences with energy insecurity, her path through a diverse and powerful career, and the future of workforce development in the nuclear industry. Together they explore: – Why your first role doesn't have to be your forever one – How to tell when you've lost your...

Relearning Science Vs. Plucking Eyebrows: Unpacking Public Perceptions of STEMIn this episode of Naked Nuclear, host Danielle explores the surprising responses to a viral TikTok 'Would You Rather' question comparing re-taking science classes with plucking eyebrows. Danielle delves into why science education can be inspiring for some and traumatic for others. Discussing research and personal anecdotes, she highlights the challenges faced by educators and the systemic issues within STEM education....

In this episode of Naked Nuclear , host Danielle sits down with Kelli Davis, Program Director of the Nuclear Technology Program at Cape Fear Community College. From her start as a nuclear chemist to becoming an advocate for building the next generation of nuclear workers, Kelli shares her inspiring career path, insights into nuclear maintenance training, and why this career is more than just a job—it's a lifestyle. 💡 What You'll Learn : The unique journey Kelli took from chemistry to nuclear edu...