Welcome to The Future of Nuclear Energy series with Phil Zeringue! In this series, I invite you to join me on an engaging journey through the complexities of nuclear energy as we explore new ideas and cutting-edge solutions with some of today’s most innovative thinkers. Together, we’ll unpack the latest advancements, confront industry challenges, and dive into the transformative role nuclear energy can play in our world’s future.
Listen to the Podcast:
Reimagining the Future of Energy: The Action-Driven Leadership of Liz MullerWhat makes Liz’s leadership distinctive isn’t just the science—it’s the team. Her knack for attracting top-tier talent from across the nuclear industry is widely recognized. “Every single person on her team is an A-player,” Phil Zeringue noted during their conversation. “That just doesn’t happen by accident.”
Part of the draw is Deep Fission’s culture of innovation and Liz’s early adoption of artificial intelligence across the organization. With Chief AI Officer Stuart Lacey on board, the company uses AI for everything from streamlining regulatory submissions to accelerating engineering design, making it one of the first truly AI-native nuclear ventures.
Chapter 1 – Introduction & Liz Muller’s Background
Phil’s dynamic intro to Liz, her background, and the concept of “actionivism.”
Chapter 2 – The Drive Behind Her Work
Liz talks about what motivates her, and how her purpose is to solve unaddressed global problems.
Chapter 3 – From Climate Champion to Nuclear Innovator
The natural shift from climate focus to solving nuclear waste and energy issues.
Chapter 4: Waste as a Barrier to Nuclear Acceptance
Why waste matters, public perception, and how Deep Isolation solves it.
Chapter 5: Underground Reactors & the Breakthrough
Introduction to borehole-based nuclear energy and how pressure made it all align.
Chapter 6 – Applications for AI & Data Center Power
Addressing energy for AI-driven data centers and Deep Vision’s scalability.
Chapter 7: Challenges Ahead & Team Culture
Engineering, licensing, manufacturing challenges, and building a high-performing team.
Chapter 8: Becoming an AI-Native Nuclear Company
Liz’s AI journey, recruiting Stuart Lacy, and infusing AI throughout operations.
Chapter 9 – Collaboration with Nuclearn
Praise for Nuclearn’s AI and how it’s helping Deep Vision with regulatory docs.
Chapter 10: Fun with AI & Culture of Innovation
Creative AI personas, affirmations, and the culture Liz is building.
Chapter 11 – Final Thoughts & Engagement Invitation
Liz’s closing message, where to find more info, and how people can get involved.
In a field powered by innovation and purpose, Lisa Marshall stands out as a dynamic force dedicated to education, engagement, and human capacity building. As President of the American Nuclear Society and Director of Outreach, Retention, and Engagement at NC State’s Department of Nuclear Engineering, Marshall blends technical understanding with empathy, vision, and servant leadership. Her path—from a Caribbean Canadian-American upbringing to being a prominent voice in nuclear education—exemplifies what it means to lead with intention and build for the future.
The Future of Nuclear Written Articles
Friendly banter and a fun, engaging intro to Lisa’s impressive background.
Chapter 2: Buzz at the ANS Student Conference
Lisa describes the conference vibe, student excitement, and her interactions.
Chapter 3: The State of Nuclear and STEM Education
Insightful discussion on systemic issues and pre-college tracking.
Chapter 4: Why Practical, Hands-On Learning Matters
Lisa and Phil discuss why soft (professional) skills matter and how robotics, failure, and grit contribute to this.
Chapter 5: Creating an Environment for Students to Thrive
Personal reflection and educational philosophies from Lisa.
Chapter 6: Bridging Academia & Industry
Insights into how academia is shifting to better prepare students for real-world jobs.
Chapter 7: Programs That Prepare Students Early
Highlights NC State’s early engagement initiatives like “Nuclear Probe Project” and summer high school programs.
Chapter 8: Lisa’s Personal Journey into Nuclear
Touching, honest story about how she fell into the nuclear world.
Chapter 9: The Power of Saying Yes
Lisa explains how getting “volun-told” into ANS led her to a fulfilling leadership journey.
Chapter 10: Closing Reflection and Part Two Tease
Lisa agrees to a future Part 2
Redefining Leadership in Nuclear: The Trailblazing Journey of Kimberly Cook-Nelson
Meet Kimberly Cook-Nelson, Executive Vice President of Nuclear Operations and Chief Nuclear Officer at Entergy. With over two decades of leadership in the nuclear industry, she oversees the safe and reliable operation of Entergy’s four nuclear plants and five reactors across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Her expertise spans nuclear safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. A licensed professional engineer, she holds an MBA, a master’s in engineering management, and a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from the University of New Orleans, along with completing Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.
Kimberly’s impressive background, her nonlinear career path, and her advice on seizing challenging growth opportunities.
Chapter 2: Breaking Barriers: Women in Nuclear
Discussing her experiences as a female leader in the nuclear industry and the importance of diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
Chapter 3: The Power of Diversity in Teams
Kimberly explains the value of diverse perspectives and cross-functional teamwork in achieving better outcomes.
Chapter 4: Inspiring the Next Generation of Nuclear Professionals
Kimberly emphasizes the importance of outreach, mentoring, and showcasing the breadth of career opportunities in nuclear.
Chapter 5: The Ripple Effect of Nuclear on Communities
Exploring nuclear’s broader economic and community impact, from job creation to philanthropy.
Chapter 6: The Future of Nuclear: Challenges and Opportunities
A candid discussion about the challenges of building new nuclear plants and how collaboration can overcome barriers.
Chapter 7: Advocacy for a Clean Energy Future
Kimberly highlights the importance of industry advocacy and telling nuclear’s story to broader audiences.
Chapter 8: Driving Cultural Change Through the Path to Premier
Insights into Entergy’s initiatives to improve efficiency, encourage innovation, and foster continuous improvement and always learning.
Chapter 9: Embracing Technology and AI in Nuclear Operations
Kimberly discusses the role of AI and technology in reducing administrative burdens and improving plant operations.
Chapter 10: Guidance for Mid-Career Growth
Advice for mid-career professionals on reigniting their growth and leveraging individual development plans.
Chapter 11: The Importance of Telling Nuclear’s Story
A call to action for the nuclear industry to advocate for its value and recruit the next generation of talent.
Chapter 12: Closing Reflections and Words of Wisdom
Kimberly shares her final thoughts on showing up to inspire others and create momentum in nuclear advocacy.
Breaking Barriers with Grace Stanke
Chapter 1: The Three Mile Island Dedication
A Pioneer in Nuclear Advocacy and Environmental Stewardship
Chapter 1: Early Years and a Challenging Path in Nuclear
Chapter 7: Building Positive Nuclear Imagery and Public Perception
Show Up So Others Show Up With Meredith Angwin
Chapter 1 &2: Meredith Angwin: The Quiet Rebellion for Science
Chapter 3: Grassroots Advocacy: Why Showing Up Matters
Chapter 4: Grid Challenges and Sloganeering: A Dose of Realism
Chapter 2: Energy as the Great Enabler
Chapter 4: Fuel Density and Public Perception
Chapter 5: Communication and Advocacy for Nuclear Energy
Chapter 7: Building Voices for Advocacy
In this engaging conversation, Harry Hall, Senior Manager at Brightsmith, and Phil Zeringue, VP of Strategic Partnerships at Nuclearn, discuss the intersection of CleanTech, innovation, and leadership. From scaling start-ups to advancing nuclear, AgTech, and bioenergy solutions, Harry shares insights from his experience connecting climate-driven professionals with cutting-edge opportunities. Phil dives into the role of AI and technology in transforming industries like nuclear energy, highlighting how collaboration and visionary talent drive real-world impact.
Chapter 1: Introduction and Welcome
Chapter 2: The Path to Nuclear
Chapter 3: Startups and Growth in Nuclear
Chapter 4: Career Flexibility in Nuclear
Chapter 5: Artificial Intelligence and Nuclear Innovation
Chapter 6: Recruitment Challenges and Workforce Trends
Chapter 7: AI in Recruitment and Candidate Screening
Chapter 8: Myths and Realities of the Nuclear Industry
Chapter 9: Safety, Sustainability, and the Future of Nuclear