Acknowledgements

Letter from Meghan Millwood, ORAU President and CEO

It is a pleasure to introduce the Partnership for Nuclear Energy (PNE) Nuclear Energy Academic Roadmap (NEAR), a collaborative effort aimed at strengthening the future of nuclear education and workforce capacity building in the United States. Led by the ORAU STEM Accelerator, this roadmap represents the combined expertise and dedication of educators, industry leaders, government agencies and other stakeholders working together to address one of the most pressing challenges facing the nuclear energy sector – building a skilled and resilient workforce.

The nuclear energy sector is at a turning point, with incredible opportunities to grow and innovate. The demand for clean, reliable energy is on the rise. Building a strong pipeline of skilled professionals able to meet this demand is more important than ever. The NEAR outlines how we can support students, educators and professionals at every stage of their journey, ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to succeed. By fostering collaboration across schools, universities, industries, non-profit organizations and communities, this roadmap helps pave the way to meet current and future workforce challenges.

I want to express my gratitude to everyone who contributed to the development of the NEAR. Your commitment to collaboration and innovation has been instrumental in creating a roadmap that will guide the development of the next generation of nuclear professionals. ORAU is proud to support this initiative, and I’m excited to see how it will shape the future of nuclear energy, laying the foundation for a workforce capable of driving innovation and ensuring the long-term success of nuclear energy in the United States.

Meghan Millwood, President and CEO, ORAU

Letter from Michelle Goodson, OSA Director

On behalf of ORAU and the ORAU STEM Accelerator, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the exceptional team of collaborators who made the Nuclear Energy Academic Roadmap possible. Special thanks go to Lori Brady at the Nuclear Energy Institute and Olivia Blackmon, the former director of the ORAU STEM Accelerator, for the initial vision and support, and to lead authors Sue Magidson and Lyn Potter for their dedication and expertise in bringing this effort to life. Thank you to the many contributors and advisors who brought diverse perspectives and deep knowledge to the project. Coming from academic institutions, industry organizations and government agencies, this group’s collective efforts enriched the roadmap and ensured it reflects the multifaceted needs of the nuclear energy sector.

This collaboration exemplifies the power of teamwork and shared purpose. By bringing together voices from across academia, industry and government, we’ve created a document that is not only comprehensive but also uniquely positioned to address challenges and opportunities in nuclear education and workforce development. To everyone who contributed their time, insights, and passion – thank you for helping to shape a resource that will guide the future of nuclear energy in the United States.

Michelle Goodson, SHRM-SCP Director, ORAU STEM Accelerator