When I started my physics degree, I knew it could open the door to a range of career opportunities, but I wasn’t sure what path it would take me down. In the end, it was the optional modules that encouraged my interest in nuclear energy physics, steering me towards my current job as a nuclear safety engineer.
When I was looking at university degrees, I thought about studying chemical engineering, but my A-level physics teacher inspired me to consider physics instead. I’d always been fascinated with the subject, and enjoyed maths (and a challenge) too, so I thought why not give it a go.
I went on to study physics at the University of Liverpool, graduating in 2021. I absolutely loved the city and would highly recommend it to anyone considering physics – or any degree, for that matter. The campus is fantastic and Liverpool is an amazing place to be a student.
My undergraduate experience was incredibly rewarding. I met some of my closest friends and had countless memorable adventures. While the course was challenging at times, I have no regrets about choosing physics. I particularly enjoyed being able to pick specialist optional modules as it meant I could follow my interest in applied physics with topics such as nuclear power and medical physics.
In my final year, I started doing the obligatory job applications for those wanting to go into industry. But after receiving some rejections, I decided to explore an opportunity outside of science and ended up working for nearly a year in the charity sector as a Climate Action intern. There I undertook research projects related to decolonization in international development, and anti-racism and social justice, supporting the delivery of international development programmes.
While my time at Climate Action was rewarding and worthwhile, I wanted to move back into science and use my degree. Nuclear physics had been an area of interest for me since school, and my modules at university had encouraged that, so I turned my attention to the nuclear energy sector. Having worked for a charity, I was keen to find an organization whose values aligned with mine. Employee-owned engineering, management and development consultancy, Mott MacDonald, caught my eye, with its commitment to net zero, social outcomes and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
I joined the the company’s three-year graduate scheme and, although I didn’t have any direct experience in safety, was offered a graduate nuclear safety position. It is a great role that ties in skills from my degree and my interest in nuclear while still presenting challenges and an opportunity to learn.
After two years at Mott MacDonald, I won Graduate of the Year at the UK Nuclear Skills Awards 2024. My colleagues had kindly nominated me, recognizing my dedication and drive, and the contribution I’d made to the organization. This opportunity was highly valuable for me and elevated my profile not only at Mott MacDonald but also within the sector. Then, after only two and half years in the graduate scheme, I was promoted to my current position of nuclear safety engineer.
My role focuses on developing nuclear safety cases – comprehensive sets of documents that assess and demonstrate the safety of nuclear facilities. With support from our wider team, the work involves analysing potential hazards and risks, outlining safety measures, and presenting a structured, evidence-based argument that the facility is safe for operation. I’ve worked on a variety of different projects including small modular reactors, nuclear medicine and flood alleviation schemes.
A typical day for me involves project meetings, writing safety reports, conducting hazard identification studies, and reviewing documents. A key aspect of the work is identifying, assessing and effectively controlling all project-related risks.
Beyond my technical role at Mott MacDonald, I am the programme director for our internal Women in Nuclear Network, and co-vice chair of the company’s Advancing Race and Culture Network. These positions allow me to contribute to a range of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) initiatives. Creating an inclusive environment is important to allow people the space to be authentically themselves, share and bring diverse perspectives and feel psychologically safe. This is a big driver for me – by supporting equity and equal opportunities, I am helping ensure others like me have role models in the sector.
Physics plays a crucial role in nuclear safety by providing the fundamental principles underlying nuclear processes. Studying nuclear physics at university has helped me understand and analyse reactor behaviour, radiation effects and potential hazards. This knowledge forms the basis for designing nuclear facility safety systems, for the protection of the workforce, environment and general public.
Throughout my degree, I also developed transferable skills such as analytical thinking, logical problem-solving and teamwork, all of which I apply daily in my role. As a safety-case engineer, I work as part of a team, and collaborate with specialists across fields, including process engineering, mechanical engineering and radioactive waste management. My ability to work effectively in teams and maintain strong interpersonal relationships has been key to success in my role.
I would encourage other physics students to explore a career in the nuclear industry
Applying my research and scientific report writing skills I developed at university, I can identify relevant information for safety-case updates, and present safety claims, arguments and evidence in a way that is understandable to a broad, non-specialist audience.
I also mentor and support more junior colleagues with various project and non-project related issues. Skills like critical thinking and the ability to tailor my communication style directly influence how I approach my work and support others.
I would encourage other physics students to explore a career in the nuclear industry. It offers a broad range of career paths, and the opportunity to contribute to some of the most diverse, exciting and challenging projects within the energy sector. You don’t need an engineering background to have a career in nuclear – there are many ways to contribute including beyond the technical route. As physicists we have a wide range of transferable skills, often more than we realize, making us highly adaptable and valuable in this sector.
It’s an incredible time to join the nuclear industry. With advancements like Sizewell C, small modular reactors, and cutting-edge medical nuclear-research facilities, there’s a wealth of diverse projects happening right now to get involved in. I hadn’t planned on a career in nuclear safety, but honestly, I’m really glad my path led this way. I am passionate about driving innovative nuclear solutions, and support progress towards reduced emissions and the global transition to net zero.
While I may be early on in my nuclear career, I have already worked on some interesting projects and met fantastic people. Now, I’m going through a structured training programme at Mott MacDonald to help me achieve chartership status with the Institute of Physics. I look forward to seeing what the future has to offer.
The post A physicist’s journey into nuclear energy appeared first on Physics World.
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