Southern Nuclear sponsors Nuclear Science Week activities

Oct. 18 marks the start of Nuclear Science Week, a national recognition of nuclear science and the vital role it plays in the U.S. and around the world.

Southern Nuclear is a sponsor and an engaged participant of activities on both the national and local level.

“The reason we sponsor these activities is to build advocacy for nuclear energy, educate about nuclear’s many benefits and make young people aware of career possibilities,” said Leighton Burkett, Communications Supervisor.  

National events sponsored by Southern Nuclear include evening in-person gatherings in Washington D.C. that examine the benefits of nuclear technologies and allow young professionals to explore career opportunities in the field. 

Regional events planned for the week near Plant Vogtle include:

• Held a week early on Oct. 9, the Science Education Enrichment Day (S.E.E.D.) offered hands-on exhibits, activities, stage performances and demonstrations of technologies and intriguing science including robotics, nuclear power, flight, carnivorous plants, neuroscience and biodiversity. Exhibitors included Southern Nuclear Plant Vogtle, American Nuclear Society, South Carolina State Museum, Savannah Riverkeeper, Kimberly-Clark, the University of South Carolina Aiken, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, the Astronomy Club of Augusta and others.
• On Oct. 28, the 30th Annual Edward Teller Lecture followed by a dinner reception offers members of the public an opportunity to learn more about the current advances in nuclear technology as well as see pioneering scientists awarded for their efforts in the industry.
• The 2021 STEM Career Connections is a pre-recorded video that is targeted to high school teachers and students in which industry experts (including several Southern Nuclear Plant Vogtle employees) discuss their careers and the many career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math. Information and details will be coordinated through educators.  

In addition, Southern Nuclear will conduct several site visits that include an overview of nuclear energy at the company’s Farley, Hatch and Vogtle units, driving tours of the sites, and hands-on activities relating to power production and nuclear energy. Plant Hatch Engineering co-ops will spend a day with Energy Pathway students at the Southeastern Early College and Career Academy in Vidalia. Southern Nuclear will be represented at a Career Lunch and Learn at Jeff Davis High School in Hazlehurst, Georgia.

“We are proud to be a part of Nuclear Science Week,” said Leighton. “We look forward to engaging with the communities in which we are privileged to serve, planting seeds for workforce development and helping the public understand the many benefits of nuclear energy.”