Participation in the Waste Management Symposia (#WMSym2022), held in Phoenix, AZ (March 6-10, 2022), was an extraordinary experience. This conference provided a unique platform for discussing safe yet cost-effective solutions regarding the management and disposition of radioactive wastes and the decommissioning of nuclear facilities. This was my third time participating in the conference, yet every year I attend transcends the previous. This conference presents a distinctive opportunity to connect with professionals in the industry across the world and gain further insight into the multifaceted nature of the nuclear field.
This year I was fortunate enough to present my current research, supported by the Department of Energy – Office of Legacy Management (DOE-LM), in a professional session in the form of an oral presentation and in the “Student Posters: The Next Generation – Industry Leaders of Tomorrow” session in the form of a poster presentation. At Florida International University’s Applied Research Center (FIU-ARC), under the mentorship of Dr. Ravi Gudavalli, I am investigating the interaction between hydroxyapatite and uranium to facilitate uranium remediation at the Old Rifle, CO site. These presentations stimulated discussions regarding the applicability of this technology at other DOE sites as well as other interesting bioremediation techniques.
I was also able to participate in a panel, Graduating Students and New Engineers – Wants and Needs – Are Companies Even Listening?, which explored the true wants and needs of recent graduates and new engineers in the nuclear field. My talk during the panel was focused on what the incoming generation, Gen Z, expects from companies as we are gradually becoming the majority within the workforce. This incited an invigorating conversation between students and professionals in the industry about how there has been a shift in the workplace culture which needs to be addressed. We discussed various approaches on how companies can attract, engage, and retain the younger generation as employees. It was a very empowering experience to be a voice for my peers and to provide insight to those that have been in the field for many years.
In addition, the opportunity for networking at this conference was ample. From attending sessions on different topics, such as women in science, or simply visiting the exhibition booths around the conference, there was always someone new to meet and learn from. The students and professionals that attended the conference were more than happy to share their personal experiences with others, which allowed attendees like myself to gain a fresh perspective of the numerous paths that are available after graduation. The exchange of ideas that occurred during these conversations was invaluable, often leading to personal opportunities such as internships or jobs.
Having been a DOE Fellow since 2019, I have become familiar with the governmental aspect within the nuclear field, staying on the technical and scientific side. However, at this conference I had the chance to speak with people from other branches of the government and industry professionals, which enlightened me to the political and societal aspects that are an integral part of making meaningful progress in this line of work. Waste Management provided the forum which exposed me to the necessary stakeholder relations, as well as engagement of the community. I came away from this conference with many exciting opportunities and an eagerness to make impactful changes within society using what I have learned. I am very grateful for the DOE-FIU Fellowship that has allowed me to have this experience in the first place, and that has provided opportunities to participate in internships, engage with various sites, and partake in stakeholder meetings. My involvement in these activities has contributed substantially to my growth as a student and a budding professional.
(L to R) Mr. Carmelo Melendez (Director, DOE-LM), Dr. Ravi Gudavalli (DOE Fellows Program Manager & Mentor, FIU-ARC), Dr. David Shafer (Technical Director, DOE-LM), and Ms. Olivia Bustillo (DOE-LM Fellow)
(L to R) Ms. Olivia Bustillo speaking with Mr. Jay Mullis (Acting Associate Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regulatory and Policy Affairs, DOE-EM) at the Speed Networking Event
FIU’s DOE Fellows and staff featuring Nicole Nelson-Jean (Associate Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Field Operations, DOE-EM) at Waste Management Symposia 2022
(R to L) Ms. Olivia Bustillo (DOE-LM Fellow), Dr. Leonel Lagos (FIU-ARC Director of Research & DOE Fellows Program Director) and Dr. Ravi Gudavalli (Mentor, DOE Fellows Program Manager) after Ms. Bustillo’s panel presentation (Wants and Needs of Recent Graduates and New Engineers – Are Companies Even Listening?)
(L to R) Dr. Robert Berry, Dr. Leonel Lagos, Olivia Bustillo (DOE-LM Fellow), Dr. Silvina Di Pietro (DOE-EM Fellow Alumna), Ms. Monica Block, Ms. Saralyn Thomas, and Ms. Grace Chen prior to the ‘Young Professionals in Nuclear Science and Engineering – an International Perspective’ session
Ms. Olivia Bustillo (DOE-LM Fellow) and Dr. Ravi Gudavalli (Mentor) during the Student Poster Competition.
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