Lourdes Velez of Ponce, Puerto Rico, earned a BS in Spanish/Literature in 1995. She shares, “I live in Puerto Rico now, but while living in New York, I used my degree to teach Spanish. I recently graduated from NOVA University with a doctorate degree. I thank Excelsior for allowing me to transfer my credits from another university to get my degree.”
Smith Washington, Associate of Science, 1978
Smith Washington of Lake Charles, Louisiana, earned an Associate of Science in 1978. Washington shares with the Excelsior community that he is retired.
Linda Morrell, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 1994
Linda Morrell of Port Orange, Florida, earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 1994. She shares, “I have long since retired in 2004 and moved to Florida in 2010. It is hard to believe it has been that long. After advancing my degree I was able to transition into managerial positions at Albany Medical College, with the Department of Pediatric Pulmonary and Cystic Fibrosis. I never regretted taking the time to return to college while working full time and raising a family. Set your goals and they are there for the taking.”
Roosevelt Thomas, Master of Arts in Liberal Studies, 2014
Roosevelt Thomas of Hampton, Virginia, earned a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies degree in 2014. He shares, “I am an administrative officer at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). I process and advise on personnel actions and procurement.”
Joe Pennington, Bachelor of Science and Associate of Applied Science, 2001
Joe Pennington of Grand Prairie, Texas, earned a Bachelor of Science and Associate of Applied Science in 2001. He shares, “It is with great pleasure that I share my notes on the great success that an Excelsior University degree has afforded me. I am currently an academic department chair at Grand Prairie Independent School District in Grand Prairie, Texas. I am also a Doctor of Education. There is great value in any degree earned at Excelsior University.”
Trudy Avery, Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts, 1993
Trudy Avery of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, earned a BA in Liberal Arts in 1993. Trudy graduated with a BA in Liberal Arts in 1993 while raising four sons under the age of 9 at the time. She recently accepted a position as the senior director of development for The Kennedy Forum, a national nonprofit that focuses on mental health and substance use parity. Previously she was the chief development officer for Pavillon, a nonprofit substance use program located in Mill Spring, North Carolina.
Everyday Uses of Nuclear Technology You May Not Know About
Nuclear technology is used to provide clean, reliable energy. It’s probably best known for reducing carbon emissions, which is an important factor for companies and countries going carbon neutral. But it also has a variety of uses in medicine, agriculture, space exploration, and industry. With new technological advances, we can also increasingly use it in everyday applications.
5 Uses of Nuclear Tech Other Than Power Plants
When you think of nuclear technology, generating nuclear energy in a power plant may come to mind. Although electricity production is perhaps the most recognizable application of nuclear tech, it isn’t the only one. Let’s explore some of the technology’s lesser known yet growing uses.
Transportation
Nuclear power is currently used in small nuclear reactors in maritime vessels that need to be at sea for a long time, such as submarines or aircraft carriers. Nuclear energy production results in fewer emissions of greenhouse gasses, which means it’s a great potential source of power for electric vehicles (EVs). Nuclear-powered EVs would be able to travel farther on faster and longer-lasting charges. Nuclear power also helps produce hydrogen, which could be used in fuel cells for vehicles or as an alternative to fossil fuels.
Consumer Products
Smoke detectors, watches, clocks, and many other everyday products use radioactive materials called radioisotopes to function correctly. Smoke detectors contain the radioisotope americium-241, which ionizes the air to detect smoke. Other products, like cookware and photocopiers, contain other forms of radioisotopes to improve their overall performance. Gemstones may contain small amounts of radiation to enhance their color and increase their value. Manufacturers and regulatory agencies adhere to safety standards set in place by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Art Preservation
Nuclear technology is a valuable tool in preserving and restoring cultural artifacts and art. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) can identify chemical elements in pigments, which can help scientists determine authorship, detect forgeries, prevent degradation, and uncover hidden paintings beneath other layers of work. Ionizing radiation can be used to disinfect and clean historical artifacts like paintings and mummies by removing mold, fungi, and bacteria.
Medicine
A subspecialty within radiology, nuclear medicine employs tiny quantities of radioactive substances to diagnose and treat cancer, heart disease, neurological disorders, and other medical conditions. Radiotracers introduced into the body emit radiation that can be detected by imaging devices like gamma cameras. Radiopharmaceuticals are used to target and destroy diseased cells. The diagnostic and therapeutic advances of nuclear medicine continue to improve patient outcomes.
Food Production
Food irradiation, a process that uses gamma rays to kill bacteria on foodstuffs, helps to reduce spoilage and extend the shelf life of food products. It can help with pest control and delay the ripening of fruits and vegetables, which can help preserve food quality and reduce microbial contamination. Irradiation technology is supported in more than 60 countries, and innovations like low-energy electron beams and soft X-rays further advance the preservation and efficient processing of food.
How to Start a Nuclear Technology Career Someplace Other Than a Power Plant
Nuclear expertise is in demand in other industries outside power plants, such as health care, research, and environmental science. If working in a power plant doesn’t interest you, but you like the idea of pursuing a career in nuclear technology, your first step is to pursue a degree in nuclear engineering technology, radiation technology, or a related field. Laboratories, university research departments, private companies, and government agencies are all places where you can apply nuclear knowledge. Consider internships or entry-level roles in medical imaging or radiology departments, too. Networking through professional organizations, such as the American Nuclear Society (ANS), can help you find new and exciting opportunities, as well.
There are myriad jobs you can pursue in this wondrous field, with more applications being introduced every year as science continues to explore the seemingly limitless potential of nuclear technology. Discover how Excelsior University’s ABET-accredited, 100% online nuclear engineering technology program can help you reach your career goals, no matter where they may take you.
John Wetsch, Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts, 1984
John Wetsch of Raleigh, North Carolina, earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 1984. He shares, “After finishing my degree at Excelsior I followed up in the next year by completing a concentration in Physics. My degree opened my career path and allowed me to continue my graduate education to complete a PhD in information systems. This led to a successful career in information technology, where I was recognized as a Northrop Grumman Technical Fellow and was a recipient of ComputerWorld’s 100 Top IT Leaders. Excelsior also provides a strong sense of wanting to give back. I was able to serve on the Regents College Alumni Association and was its last President. I was then elected as the 1st President of Excelsior’s Alumni Board and was a recipient of Excelsior’s Founders Award. As a trustee emeritus, my tenure with Excelsior included serving over a decade on the Board of Trustees with one year as vice chair. It was a great honor to be able to represent the University and its students in education and industry on the value of an Excelsior education.”
Dr. Marc D’Andrea, Bachelor of Science, 2010
Dr. Marc D’Andrea of Atlanta earned his Bachelor of Science in 2010. He shares, “I wanted to acquire my bachelor’s degree. I had been to chiropractic school, and I went to pre-med education for three years. I could finish all my prerequisites in that time. After I graduated some of the states required a bachelor’s degree to obtain a license. Excelsior was the perfect fit. They accepted many of the science credits I acquired in chiropractic school and created a course plan to allow me to get my BS. I thank them for this program.”
Ahmad Zargaran, Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts, 2014
Ahmad Zargaran of Prague, Czech Republic, earned a Bachelor of Science in 2014. He shares, “The academic degree I earned helped me a lot in my career in consulting engineering work prior to my retirement in 2019. I gained respect, leisure, seniority, and better financial rewards. I thank my friends that encouraged me to continue my education via Excelsior University. We moved to Czech Republic for retirement with my Czech-born wife. We recently bought a home here and love it. Thank you, Excelsior University staff, for helping me to gain my degree that has been long due.”
Carol Boswell, Associate of Science in Nursing, 1994
Carol Boswell of Sunriver, Oregon, earned an Associate of Science in Nursing in 1994. She shares, “My nursing career has continued since completing my ASN with Regents in 1994. The additional education allowed me to grow professionally to include working in a Level 3 NICU in California as a member of the neonatal critical care transport team. As years went by, I transitioned into community-based nursing care, with an emphasis on children/family care. During the COVID pandemic, I worked full time as a community immunization nurse. I am currently employed with a large health care facility in occupational medicine.”
Christopher Mullins, Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts, 2001
Christopher Mullins of Port Charlotte, Florida, earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 2001. Dr. Christopher Mullins completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Arts at Excelsior College before his discharge from the U.S. Navy, where he served as a submariner. He has subsequently completed a Master of Science in Physical Education with a specialization in Health Education and Health Promotion from Mississippi State University, an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership, and a Doctor of Education in School Leadership, both from Saint Leo University. Dr. Mullins has a Florida professional teaching certificate with endorsements in educational leadership (all levels), general science (5-9), social sciences (6-12), health (K-12), and exceptional student education (K-12). He currently works as the lead middle school science teacher and middle school mathematics tutor at Mid Cape Global Academy in Cape Coral, Florida.
