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A firefighting, plane flying, nuclear engineering student: Danielle Allen's Unconventional Journey (So Far...)
Join Danielle Allen, host of Naked Nuclear, as she shares her weird and wild path from majoring in Near Eastern Studies at Princeton to becoming a firefighter, paramedic, commercial pilot, and nuclear engineering student.
In this episode, Danielle explores her diverse career experiences, the challenges she faced, and what led her to a passion for nuclear energy.
Her story is about her drive to make a difference, build resilient systems, and how to shape the future of energy.
Hopefully, her journey paints a "clearer" picture of how her life events shaped her mission to propel the energy revolution forward.
00:00 From Princeton to Firefighting: My Unconventional Journey
01:19 Challenges and Discoveries at Princeton
02:34 A Call to Action: Field Work in Jordan
05:10 Finding My Path in Firefighting
06:53 Becoming a Paramedic and Entrepreneur
11:50 A New Dream: Becoming an Astronaut
14:29 Falling in Love with Nuclear Energy
17:25 Introducing Naked Nuclear
20:06 Conclusion and Invitation to Connect
Please, please, please connect with Danielle!
(She loves talking with passionate people)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/747-danielle-allen/
Tiktok: Atomic Dani
Email: [email protected]
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Watts of holiday displays going on right now, huh? Join Danielle in this festive episode of Naked Nuclear as she delves into the real cost of those dazzling holiday light displays.
Explore what a watt is, the energy consumption of incandescent versus LED lights, and discover three practical tips to keep your holiday season safe and cost-effective.
Danielle also discusses how different states' energy prices can impact your holiday budget and discusses the importance of peak energy hours.
Tune in for a watt of interesting facts... okay, I'll stop with the watt jokes. 00:00 Introduction: The Neighbor's Holiday Light Show00:42 Understanding Energy Consumption: What is a Watt?02:48 Incandescent vs. LED Lights: The Energy Battle03:37 Calculating the Cost: Energy Prices Across States05:10 Peak Energy Hours: The Grinch in the Grid06:49 Tips for Safe and Cost-Effective Holiday Lighting07:38 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes
Energy Resources to find out exactly how much your neighbor is paying for their display:
1. What’s a Watt, Kilowatt, and Kilowatt-Hour?
https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/electric-meters#:~:text=The%20basic%20unit%20of%20measure,kilowatt%2Dhour%20(kWh).
2. Christmas Light Safety Tips
https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/winter-holidays
3. Peak Energy Hours: What You Need to Know
https://www.constellation.com/energy-101/energy-education/peak-vs-off-peak.html
4. Energy-Saving Tips for Holiday Lights
https://investor.pgecorp.com/news-events/press-releases/press-release-details/2020/PGE-Reminds-Customers-LED-Holiday-Lights-Are-the-Safest-Way-to-Brighten-Up-the-Seasonand-Help-Save-Money/default.aspx
5. Understand your Home Appliances in Kilowatt hour
https://electricityplans.com/kwh-kilowatt-hour-can-power/#:~:text=What's%20the%20difference%20between%20a,energy%20something%20uses%20over%20time.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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Unlocking the Policy Power Behind Nuclear EnergyDive into the nuts and bolts of critical climate policies with Danielle Allen as she breaks down some key policies from Ep. 5 with Eric Meyer from Generation Atomic.
From the Inflation Reduction Act’s financial incentives for clean energy projects to the Civil Nuclear Credit Program's support for existing nuclear plants, we unpack how these laws are making nuclear energy more viable.
Learn about the groundbreaking technologies supported by the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act and how state-level policy changes pave the way for a cleaner energy future.
Join us in understanding the policy-making behind climate change and transforming communities.00:00 Introduction to Climate Policies with Eric Meyer00:29 Understanding the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)01:35 Exploring the Chips and Science Act02:31 The Future with the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act (NEICA)03:12 State Policies and Nuclear Moratoriums03:54 The Importance of Nuclear Energy in Combating Climate Change05:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
U.S. Department of Energy – "Inflation Reduction Act Keeps Momentum Building for Nuclear Power"
Hogan Lovells – "The CHIPS and Science Act Creates Opportunities for Advanced Nuclear"
https://www.hoganlovells.com/en/publications/the-chips-and-science-act-creates-opportunities-for-advanced-nuclearWorld Nuclear News – "Nuclear-Supporting Infrastructure Bill Becomes US Law"
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A Nuclear Opera with Eric Meyer of Generation Atomic: Merging Energy and AdvocacyIn this episode of Naked Nuclear, we explore the unlikely parallels between nuclear energy and opera. Host Danielle Allen chats with the founder of Generation Atomic, Eric Meyer, about his journey from an opera singer to a nuclear energy advocate.
Meyer discusses his early misconceptions of nuclear power, his groundbreaking work to keep power plants open, and how he uses opera to engage communities in nuclear advocacy. The episode dives into the world of nonprofit organization building, legislative successes in the nuclear sector, and the importance of effective communication in promoting nuclear energy.
Meyer shares insights into the bipartisan support for nuclear energy in the U.S. and emphasizes the need for innovation in reactor production. The story concludes with a vision for the future of nuclear energy and how listeners can get involved.00:00 Introduction: Nuclear Energy and Opera00:33 Meet Eric Meyer: From Opera to Nuclear Advocacy01:26 Act One: The Early Beginnings05:32 Act Two: Building a Nonprofit17:58 Act Three: The Future of Nuclear25:32 Conclusion and Personal Insights
Get involved with Generation Atomic:
https://www.generationatomic.org
Learn more about climate policy:
https://world-nuclear.org/information-library/country-profiles/countries-t-z/usa-nuclear-power-policy
Global Climate Initiatives:
https://www.energy.gov/articles/cop28-countries-launch-declaration-triple-nuclear-energy-capacity-2050-recognizing-key
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The After-Pop! Demystifying Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiation
Welcome back to Naked Nuclear, where we simplify nuclear technology. In this episode, we dive into radiation—its origins, types, and measurements.
Learn about non-ionizing and ionizing radiation, explore their sources, and understand how we measure radiation exposure. Discover the three types of ionizing radiation: alpha, beta, and gamma.
We also discuss how to stay safe with guidelines on dose, time, and exposure limits. Join us in making radiation a less intimidating and more understood part of our world. Stay curious!
00:00 Introduction to Naked Nuclear
00:11 Understanding Radiation
01:05 Types of Radiation
02:28 Sources of Ionizing Radiation
03:37 Measuring Radiation
04:25 Types of Ionizing Radiation
05:37 Radiation Safety
06:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
More information on how OSHA categorizes radiation exposure:
https://www.osha.gov/emergency-preparedness/radiation/response
Information from the DOE on Radiation:
https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2018/01/f46/doe-ionizing-radiation-dose-ranges-jan-2018.pdf
https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2022-03/Relative%20Doses%20Radiation%20Thermometer%20-%20March%202022_0.pdf
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My yoga teacher, the tree-hugging radiation protection technician...In this episode of Naked Nuclear, host Danielle speaks with Caroline Cooley, a tree-hugging, Prius-driving, vegetarian yoga teacher who unexpectedly found her way into the nuclear industry as a Radiation Protection Technician.
Caroline shares her journey from corporate America to working alongside her husband in the nuclear field, offering insights into the roles and responsibilities of decontamination workers and radiation protection technicians. They discuss the safety protocols, personal protective equipment used, and the exposure levels to radiation, debunking some common misconceptions about the industry.
Caroline also touches on how her background in yoga helps her remain calm and handle fear in this demanding job. This episode provides a unique look at a non-traditional career path, the evolving diversity in the nuclear industry, and the importance of stringent safety measures. Listeners will also learn about pathways into the field and the potential for travel and financial benefits.00:00 Introduction to Caroline Cooley00:27 Diving into Nuclear Reactors01:00 Getting Started in the Nuclear Industry02:14 Roles and Responsibilities of a Radiation Protection Technician03:31 Safety Measures and Equipment07:03 Radiation Exposure and Monitoring13:11 Career Path and Personal Journey17:54 Diversity and Evolution in the Nuclear Field19:46 Nuclear Safety and Environmental Impact20:51 Yoga and Mindfulness in Nuclear Work22:52 Rapid-Fire Questions and Fun Facts26:20 Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Looking for where to get started as an RP?
Cape Fear Community College Nuclear Technology
https://cfcc.edu/nuclear-technology/
Westinghouse RP Program
https://westinghousenuclear.com/media/zhdbuk4m/how-to-become-an-rp-technician-2024.pdf
https://westinghousenuclear.com/operating-plants/outage-services/rp-alara/radiation-protection-training/
Wanna learn more about radiation levels?
Radiation Levels:
https://www.epa.gov/radiation/radiation-sources-and-doses
https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/5-radioactive-products-we-use-every-day
Sober Spaces at Jam Band Concerts
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/looking-for-sober-friends-at-a-concert-find-the-deadheads-with-a-yellow-balloon
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Welcome to the Ep.1 After-pop!
Nuclear Fuels Breakdown: Uranium Oxide, Uranium Silicide, Uranium Mononitride, and HALEU
Uranium Oxide (UO₂): The most common nuclear fuel, typically used in light water reactors. Uranium Silicide (U₃Si₂): A high-density fuel offering improved performance in reactors. Uranium Mononitride (UN): A promising fuel for fast reactors with superior thermal conductivity. HALEU (High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium): A next-generation fuel with higher enrichment, key to enabling advanced reactor technologies.
In this quick follow-up episode, we dive deeper into the world of nuclear fuels. Dr. Jennifer Watkins breaks down the key materials used in advanced nuclear reactors, including:Learn more about Dr. Watkins fuel research at INL here: https://inl.gov/feature-story/u-s-researchers-fabricate-commercial-grade-uranium-dioxide-haleu-fuel/
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Thank you for dropping in!
In this inspiring episode of Naked Nuclear, we share the remarkable story of Dr. Jennifer Watkins, who made an unexpected career pivot from bill collector to becoming an advanced nuclear fuels researcher at the Idaho National Laboratory. From growing up in rural Idaho to earning a PhD at Boise State, Dr. Watkins reflects on the pivotal moments that changed the course of her life.
She opens up about the challenges she faced, including jumping back into math at age 36, and shares how her passion for discovery led her to groundbreaking work in nuclear fuels research. This episode highlights how resilience and a willingness to keep learning can propel you toward a career in one of the most critical industries of our time: nuclear energy.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 – Pivoting Your Career: From Bill Collector to Nuclear Scientist
00:34 – Introducing Dr. Jennifer Watkins
01:07 – Early Life and Initial Career
02:21 – The Decision to Pivot
03:40 – Entering the World of Engineering
05:58 – The Hero's Journey Begins
08:37 – Discovering Nuclear Fuels
09:57 – Advanced Technology Fuels
11:43 – Graduate Studies and Research
15:38 – The Push for Nuclear Energy
19:30 – Breaking Down Nuclear Myths
20:34 – Advice for Aspiring Nuclear Professionals
25:42 – Rapid Fire Questions with Dr. Watkins
28:58 – Final Words and Future EpisodesDr. Watkins' Publications:
Looking for Dr. Watkins' groundbreaking research?Jennifer K. Watkins
What’s research is happening at Idaho National Laboratory?
https://inl.gov/nuclear-energy/all-research/
Looking to pivot your career into nuclear?
Check out the Center for Energy Workforce Development brochure:
https://cewd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/GIE-Nuclear-Flyer-FINAL.pdf
