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00:00:00 – 00:12:30
The YouTube video features Dr. Ariel Miller, a naval X technical director at the Office of Naval Research, sharing her journey in nuclear engineering from industry to government work. Dr. Miller discusses the nuclear fuel cycle, reactor design, and various roles within nuclear engineering, including reactor analysis and material engineering. Exciting new reactor technologies like small modular reactors are highlighted, along with challenges in space reactor technology and waste management. The video emphasizes the importance of pursuing opportunities in STEM fields and being open to new experiences to grow as an engineer. Dr. Miller expresses gratitude for discussing STEM topics and encourages exploration in the field and beyond.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, Xavier Rose, a mechanical engineer, introduces Dr. Ariel Miller, who works as the naval X technical director in the Office of Naval Research in Arlington, Virginia. Dr. Miller shares her background, starting with being commissioned as a service warfare officer with a nuclear subspecialty after undergrad at Northwestern University. She served in the Navy on a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier before transitioning into industry, working at GE Nuclear and pursuing a Master’s and Ph.D. in nuclear engineering. Dr. Miller emphasizes her passion for nuclear technology and her career progression within the nuclear industry.
00:03:00
In this segment of the video, Dr. Miller discusses her journey transitioning from the commercial side to government work, obtaining her professional engineering license in nuclear energy, and completing her PhD in mechanical engineering. She highlights her experience with nuclear energy, explaining the nuclear fuel cycle and the process of harnessing atomic power to generate electricity. Dr. Miller details the steps involved in obtaining and processing uranium fuel for reactors, including mining, chemical processes, enrichment, and fuel fabrication. She emphasizes the complexity of designing a reactor core to efficiently utilize nuclear energy for power generation.
00:06:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the various roles within nuclear engineering. They mention nuclear engineers who focus on reactor analysis and probabilistic risk assessments. Mechanical engineers work on the mechanical components of a reactor, and material engineers deal with materials exposed to high radiation and heat. There are also specialists in managing spent fuel, dealing with nuclear criticality, recycling, and reprocessing fuel. The speaker highlights the exciting aspects of nuclear engineering, such as new reactor designs like small modular reactors, gas-cooled reactors, and thorium fuel, which present new challenges and require new materials.
00:09:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the longevity of light water reactors compared to new reactor technologies like small modular reactors and space reactors. They highlight the challenges and innovations in space reactor technology, nuclear waste management, and fuel recycling. The speaker also offers advice for those considering a career in STEM fields, encouraging them to pursue opportunities, even if they feel unqualified, and be open to trying new things inside or outside the STEM field to become a more well-rounded engineer.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the speaker expresses gratitude for the opportunity to discuss various aspects of STEM, including nuclear energy and additive manufacturing. They mention their enthusiasm for the field and express excitement about reading essays related to STEM. The speaker concludes with a series of thank you messages for the opportunity.