Principal Nuclear Engineer and Department Manager John Stevens (NE) recently participated in a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education event with engineering students from the National Cathedral School in the District of Columbia, introducing them to the world of nuclear engineering and talking to them about the importance of scientists to the United States.
Stevens was joined by Jessica Halse and Chris Landers from the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Office of Material Management and Minimization (M3), which works to convert nuclear reactors to use fuel made of low-enriched uranium, reducing the proliferation risk posed by highly enriched uranium fuel. Stevens and his team at Argonne have been longtime leaders in the M3 effort, having helped convert nearly 70 reactors worldwide. The three talked to the students about technical careers and conducted simple experiments in the classroom to show them the power of science.
The group then toured the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST’s) Center for Neutron Research in Gaithersburg, Md.
“The combination of the ‘garage science’ I used in my talk and the world-leading capabilities at NIST seemed to score as well as we had hoped with the class,” Stevens said. “We really stressed the importance of keeping doors and minds open to pursuing STEM careers in college.”
Argonne Principal Nuclear Engineer John Stevens, center in background, looks on as NIST Center for Neutron Research scientist Liz Kelley demonstrates techniques for contrasting water with deuterium oxide, or heavy water, at a STEM education event.