First-ever Nuclear Symposium at CEI inspires high school students
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – College of Eastern Idaho’s first-ever ‘Let’s Talk Nuclear’ symposium launched today for 250 high students to explore future career options at Idaho National Laboratory.
Students from across the region learned about AI, radioisotope power systems, nuclear construction, business management, communications, project management, fire education, finances and nuclear medicine.
“The decisions made over the next decade will shape the future of energy, technology and national security right here in the United States of America,” said College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) President Lori Barber. “The people sitting in this room, that’s all of you, will be the ones who are making those decisions.”
Students performed fun group projects, science experiments and simulations while connecting with experts and exploring career options.
“One of the challenges we’re working through and facing is building up the next generation of nuclear engineers and people that are comfortable working in their environment,” said INL Nuclear Reactor Technology Deputy Division Director Dawn Scates. “Our workforce is aging. We’re bringing on new people to join us, and we’re working to establish this career pipeline of early career researchers – some of which don’t even necessarily have to go through college.”
The symposium will be an annual event, hosted by CEI’s Battelle Energy Alliance Applied STEM Institute.
“This nuclear industry is going to need software developers, electricians, welders, instrumentation technicians, data analysts, cybersecurity specialists, construction managers, material scientists, machinists, business professionals, professionals, communicators, leaders, and so many more disciplines that I haven’t mentioned,” Barber said. “In other words, I want you to remember there is a place for almost every talent and every interest.”
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