Students Engage with Experts
 
At first glance there was nothing unusual about the poster session at the Deane Conference. Attendees fanned out across Stuart Commons to learn more about the research presented on the posters, which included topics such as the health risks of radiation, U.S. production of uranium, and public perception about nuclear power.
 
But in this case, the researchers were undergraduate students. Their audience of nuclear industry professionals highlighted one of the unique aspects of the conference — the chance to network and discuss research with the experts.
 
“This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” says Sarah Monroe ’08, who examined water scarcity issues and advanced reprocessing technology. “As we all prepare to enter into our careers after college, this experience has instilled a confidence in us all that we can have interactions with experts in the field of nuclear energy without being intimidated.”
 
Monroe was one of seven students who took the Environmental Studies Program senior seminar class The Future of Nuclear Power in the U.S. Eight more students from other schools attended and presented research.
 
Assistant Professor of Chemistry Lori Del Negro says the class gave students the knowledge and confidence to engage the professionals about their projects. “They figured out the right questions to ask to pick their brains to fill in the holes in their research,” she says.
 
Paul Genoa, Nuclear Energy Institute’s director of policy development, was reassured by their presence. “I’m looking to retire in a few years, yet I know there are huge challenges ahead,” he says. “I’m encouraged that young people are getting involved to come up with a solution.”