Why did you choose this engineering field?

A minority is lucky to know what they want early on in their career or during their studies. I must admit with humility, I did not fall into that category. I took Mathematics (I love) and Software engineering (evolving branch, 20 years back). And I am lucky to discover soon that Software engineering could play a major role just in any field, when one is creative. Software may not do what other engineering disciplines do; but Software can support, ease, compliment these engineering disciplines. That is what landed me in the area that I am working on today. Of course, the basic needs are - one must listen to the needs of the people in the field (in concern), collaborate and give back (through Software) some solution that these people can easily use to make their work easier, faster, better. When I say 'can easily use', the solution one provides, must be easier to learn and use than what the work these people do in their field. Hope that answers your question.

Choosing nuclear engineering was a natural fit for me. My love for science and understanding how things work drew me to this field. Being the advocate for nuclear energy that I am, I believe it can play a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions and fostering a green energy infrastructure in the 21st century. My journey into nuclear engineering started with a fascination for its complexities and a desire to contribute to a sustainable future.

Moreover, my experiences operating a nuclear power plant in the Navy and advocating for changes in the legislative and regulatory landscape fueled my passion for this field. The challenges I've faced, particularly gender and racial biases, have only strengthened my resolve to create a more welcoming environment for women and people of color in STEM. This journey aligns with my broader goal of establishing a research haven for women to flourish in their STEM endeavors.

So, in a nutshell, my choice of nuclear engineering isn't just about the technical aspects; it's a commitment to creating positive change, promoting inclusivity, and contributing to a cleaner, greener future. 🌍⚛️✨