What do the Department of Energy, North Carolina State University’s Department of Nuclear Engineering and bolstering nuclear energy’s diverse workforce pipeline all have in common? Tune into our latest episode of As a Matter of Fact, an episode co-hosted by Lisa Marshall and Christina Walrond, to find out.
In this interview, Lisa and Christina answer your questions surrounding workforce development and discuss where education and awareness about nuclear-powered careers begin. And, it's no surprise that it starts in the earliest years at school. They discuss everything from infusing workforce conversations into the very first steps of a project to tips for engaging communities, and ultimately encourage anyone to join the diverse, strong, well-paying energy workforce. In a nuclear economy where new projects – and new industry jobs – are on the horizon, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Lisa Marshall is the inaugural Extension Assistant Professor & Director of Outreach, Retention & Engagement in NC State Nuclear Engineering and is responsible for pre-college through graduate level initiatives. Professor Marshall’s research work is in the areas of energy geography, nuclear engineering education, (inter)national co-curricular scholarship, geographic information systems (GIS), as well as STEM education for women and under-served populations. She is the recipient of the 2022 ANS Social Responsibility in the Nuclear Community, 2022 ANS Presidential Citation (Education, Scholarship & Diversity), 2020 ANS Young Members Advancement Award, 2020 NC State Engineering Champion for Women Award, 2019 NC State Outstanding Engagement Award, and the 2009 ANS Landis Public Communications & Education Award. She currently holds executive positions in the American Nuclear Society (ANS), the American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE) & the American Association of Geographers (AAG) and is completing her PhD in Higher Education, subplan Opportunity, Equity & Justice, focus on engineering.
Christina Walrond is the Stakeholder Engagement Lead of Advanced Nuclear and Industrial Portfolios at the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, where she translates technical information about advanced energy projects to communities and stakeholders that are involved. She’s held over a decade of experience in communication and engagement across the industry and beyond – from contractors at the local level to leaders at the Department of Energy.
As a Matter of Fact is an interview series powered by Nuclear Matters which gives experts and thought leaders a forum to discuss nuclear energy’s role in protecting the environment, promoting economic stability and enhancing national security.