I am a business leader with an extensive background in nuclear engineering technology, regulatory compliance and sound business practices. With more than 30 years of experience in the nuclear industry, I have outstanding problem solving skills with a proven track record of delivery. My strong written and verbal communication abilities coupled with excellent coaching and interpersonal skills make me a formidable ally in the nuclear industry.
I was asked by the American Nuclear Society to be one of their key spokespersons following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, as events unfolded at the Fukushima nuclear power plants. I became a key contact for numerous journalists and reporters because of my extensive understanding of the technology of the Fukushima nuclear power plants and my outstanding ability to communicate the complicated issues to the media and the general public. I responded to more than 400 media inquiries, including Fox, CBS, MSNBC, NBC Nightly News, the Today Show, the New York Times, ABC, CNN, Nature, the Discovery Channel, NYPR and numerous national and international publications. In doing so, I ensured accurate information was available to the public and the media. The American Nuclear Society recognized these efforts with a Presidential citation in 2011 and the 2012 Special Award for Media and Communication.
As a key note speaker and panelist I have participated in many conferences communicating the impact of Fukushima on regulatory and industry issues. These appearances included speaking to lawmakers and their staff, nuclear industry leaders, as well as events for the general public.
Biography
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering from Iowa State University (ISU). I serve on the Industrial Advisory Council for ISU’s Engineering College as well as the advisory board for the Nuclear Engineering minor at ISU. In addition, I created and teach a unique course that sets the nuclear industry in context of politics, economics, society, and technology for engineering students at ISU. I am working to expand the course beyond ISU.
- Member, American Nuclear Society
- Member, ASME
- Tribute to Women and Industry (TWIN) award from Santa Clara Valley YWCA – 2002
- One patent on spent fuel pool management techniques
I grew up in northern Iowa and came of age in the 1970’s after two oil crises, acid rain, and burning rivers. Knowing that the country needed an energy source that was domestic and didn’t pollute, I went to college. Iowa State University had a program in nuclear engineering that sounded like a way to generate electricity that wouldn’t require imported oil, didn’t add pollutants to the air, and wouldn’t creating burning rivers. Read more of my story here.
Other Interesting Facts
In my spare time, I hang out at home with my husband, Mark, and our miniature dachshund, Woodstock. Woodstock and I compete in obedience trials, but otherwise, Woodstock rules our house. I like to describe him as spoiled rotten, but obediently so.
I am passionate about communicating about the nuclear industry and serve on several committees with the American Nuclear Society include Professional Women in ANS, Public Information, and Government Relations.
I also enjoy cooking, photography, travel, gardening, and golf. In my down time, I knit, quilt, crochet, and read voraciously. There are not enough hours in the day.