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Treated to addresses from world-renown experts including Hans Blix, former Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and given the opportunity to work with young nuclear scientists from across the planet, NPRE graduate student J’Tia Taylor gained the experience of a lifetime this summer while a World Nuclear University Fellow.

Taylor was one of about 100 Fellows from some 35 countries chosen for the 2009 WNU Summer Institute, held at Christ Church, a college of the historically spectacular University of Oxford. World authorities on global environment and sustainable development, nuclear-related technology innovation, non-proliferation, and nuclear industry operations presented lectures and tutorials, and Fellows toured nuclear and industrial facilities. NPRE’s Marvin E. Wyman and Felix T. Adler funds subsidized expenses so Taylor could make the trip.

The following recaps her experiences.

We enjoyed lectures on a host of topics ranging from climate change, nuclear research and operations to nuclear law from experts in each field. A particularly memorable lecture was "An Environmentalist's Case for Nuclear Power," from Greenpeace founder Patrick Moore. Gaining perspectives on international nuclear programs from leaders such as Gideon Frank, the former Director General of the Israeli Atomic Energy Commission (IAEC), was invaluable.

The most anticipated speaker was Hans Blix, former Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency and he did not disappoint. Dr. Blix spoke about his time at the agency and gave insight into his time as the chief UN weapons inspector during the Iraq disarmament crisis. Dr. Blix also spent downtime with the Fellows. He was featured in the oddball comedy movie Team America: World Police, featuring puppets in lieu of actors and delighted all when he referenced the scene in which Kim Jong Il drops him into a pool of sharks after denying him nuclear inspection access.

By far, the best part of the Institute was meeting other Fellows from around the globe. Some programs may give you a chance to introduce yourself to others but the WNU Summer Institute gave me a chance to genuinely get to know and work with the Fellows. Over the six weeks, Fellows were divided into working groups and assigned tasks to complete concerning material presented with each Fellow having three different working groups over the time period. Through the assigned tasks and pursuant discussions, I felt like I built a bond with every person in the working group and I would not hesitate to contact anyone in the future.

My first working group, led by our mentor Jean-Louis Nigon, was tasked with a team-building activity in which were given a box of material and told to design and market a product. Our group was a very dynamic bunch and although our product, a nuclear powered car, was not of the best construction, we were awarded best presentation. Our presentation was in the vain of an “infomercial.” Our presentation including an overenthusiastic host, a cheesy soundtrack featuring the song, "Eye of the Tiger," and a Japanese-speaking technical expert deemed "Dr. Fusion."

My last working group, led by mentor Alan Waltar, was tasked with providing insight into "Public Fear of Nuclear Energy." The group went above and beyond the scope of a two-week project. The group conducted a survey about energy concerns with an emphasis on nuclear, produced a video of citizen concerns, a pamphlet on how to discuss nuclear energy with the public and also a public service video about nuclear energy. I was truly amazed at the work ethic and dedication of the group in tackling the topic. Currently, the group is still in touch and working on getting the pamphlet and video published.

I was amazed and in awe by the experience as a whole including the Fellows, mentors, location, presentations and nuclear site visits. The Fellows, mentors and presenters were top-notch young professionals and nuclear industry experts who were open to learning and teaching about not only the nuclear industry but also each other. Access to such nuclear sites such as the new construction of the European Pressurized Reactor (EPR) at Flamanville during the French nuclear tour was extraordinary and unique.

The Institute brought together things that I have learned throughout my education and reinforced my desire to be involved in the nuclear industry.

Writer: J’Tia Taylor, Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering.

Contact: Susan Mumm editor/alumni affairs coordinator, Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering, 217/244-5382 (campus office), 217/821-6866 (cell) 217/347-2166 (home office).

(posted 15 Sep 2009)