Naked Nuclear

Danielle Allen
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Ever wondered how nuclear energy works or what advanced nuclear technology really means? Naked Nuclear breaks down complex topics like nuclear reactors, fuel types, and emerging technologies into simple, accessible conversations. Whether you're a curious beginner or an energy enthusiast, we make the science behind nuclear power easy to understand so you can launch your career in the clean energy future. Tune in to strip down the fascinating world of nuclear energy—one atom at a time.

  1. BONUS Crossover Episode: The Future of Nuclearn & Naked Nuclear

    17.11.2025 · BONUS

    BONUS Crossover Episode: The Future of Nuclearn & Naked Nuclear

    In this crossover episode between Naked Nuclear and Nuclearn’s The Future of Nuclear, we bring together two teams with different backgrounds but a shared philosophy: curiosity, collaboration, and the courage to try. Danielle comes from the world of storytelling and education; Phil comes from the world of digital nuclear operations and AI. One explores the industry through conversations and community, the other builds tools to help the industry work smarter. Together, they compare notes on culture, creativity, learning curves, and the very real value of taking the first step even when you don’t have all the answers. This episode is about nuclear — yes. But it’s also about the people building it, the mindset behind innovation, and why trying (and sometimes failing) is one of the most underrated skills in our field. Learn more about Nuclearn: Nuclearn.ai Listen to 'The Future of Nuclear' Podcast here: https://nuclearn.ai/1569-2/

    1 Std. 30 Min.
  2. Intro to Fusion Energy with Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory

    06.11.2025

    Intro to Fusion Energy with Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory

    What exactly is plasma, and why are some of the world’s brightest minds betting on fusion energy to power our future? In this episode of Naked Nuclear, host Danielle sits down with Dr. Arturo Dominguez — Head of Science Education at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) — to break it all down in plain language. From his own journey into plasma physics to PPPL’s groundbreaking research, Dr. Dominguez shares how fusion works, why it matters, and how students everywhere can get involved. We dive into PPPL’s free Introduction to Fusion and Plasma Physics course — a beginner-friendly, online class designed to make complex science accessible for anyone curious about the future of energy. Whether you're a college student, a career switcher, or just fusion-curious, this episode will give you a clear view into the fascinating world of plasma, research at Princeton, and how fusion could become a key player in the clean energy race. Check out more Resources: Intro to Fusion & Plasma Physics Course: https://www.pppl.gov/events/2023/introduction-fusion-energy-and-plasma-physics-course Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI): https://www.pppl.gov/science-undergraduate-laboratory-internships-suli Princeton Plasma Physics Lab (PPPL): https://www.pppl.gov More about Dr. Arturo Dominguez: https://www.pppl.gov/people/arturo-dominguez

    42 Min.

  3. 06.10.2025

    After-Pop! Inside the Z Machine: The Most Powerful Pulse on Earth

    What happens when you unleash more power than every power plant on Earth — for just a few billionths of a second? Welcome to After-Pop! — today, we’re diving into the Z Machine, the crown jewel of Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It’s the most powerful pulsed-power facility on the planet, capable of creating the same temperatures and pressures found inside stars, nuclear detonations, and planetary cores. In this episode, we’ll break down: Why the Z Machine was built — and how it keeps our nuclear stockpile safe without detonations.How the Z-pinch and “pulsed power” concept work — explained in plain English with real-world analogies.How researchers are using it to advance fusion energy, the same reaction that powers the Sun.Just how powerful 80 terawatts really is — and why shockwaves from each test can be felt miles away.What these micro-bursts of power teach us about the future of clean energy, defense, and physics at the edge of what’s possible. For a few nanoseconds, the Z Machine outshines the entire human race’s power output — a lightning strike made by human hands. Wanna READ MORE? Sandia’s official Z machine page (overview, how it works, research)https://www.sandia.gov/z-machine/ Sandia’s fusion research pagehttps://www.sandia.gov/z-machine/fusion/ Sandia’s energy research pagehttps://www.sandia.gov/z-machine/research/energy/ The video you mentioned (Inside the Most Powerful X-Ray Source in the World)https://www.asminternational.org/news/videos/-/journal_content/56/10192/43932389/VIDEO/ World Nuclear News article on First Light test on Zhttps://www.world-nuclear-news.org/articles/first-light-fusion-hails-success-of-initial-test-i Atlas Obscura page for general background & visual colorhttps://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-z-machine-albuquerque-new-mexico

    10 Min.
  4. Swimming through Fusion Research: Student Spotlight with Ryan Zerpa

    22.09.2025

    Swimming through Fusion Research: Student Spotlight with Ryan Zerpa

    In this Student Spotlight, we trace how childhood curiosity—sparked by Nikola Tesla and MythBusters—led Ryan Zerpa from building a Tesla coil in grade school to pursuing fusion research. Ryan shares how he reframed a mostly-fission undergrad at Purdue Nuclear Engineering into a launchpad for fusion, what he learned working around pulsed-power experiments like Sandia’s Z Machine, and how Division I swimming forged the time-management and grit research demands. We unpack his plain-language way of explaining fusion (from “why energy transition” to “how plasmas are tamed with lasers and magnets”), then close with his next step: a PhD in high-energy-density physics at the University of Rochester (LLE)—and his advice for students to ask relentlessly and feed their curiosity. What you’ll learn Why Tesla, fields, and hands-on tinkering pulled Ryan toward electromagnetism and fusion How to turn a fission-heavy curriculum into fusion-useful skills (transport theory, fluids → plasmas) What pulsed-power/HEDP experiments aim to do and why nanosecond timing matters The student-athlete toolkit for research: discipline, recovery, and focused practice A simple, audience-friendly way to explain fusion—and why storytelling in science matters Practical advice for aspiring students: persistence beats perfection Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) — overview of the national lab and mission:https://www.sandia.gov/ Sandia National Laboratories Z Pulsed Power Facility (“Z Machine”) — Sandia’s pulsed-power/HEDP platform:https://www.sandia.gov/z-machine/  | About Z: https://www.sandia.gov/z-machine/about-z/ Sandia National Laboratories+1 Purdue University — Nuclear Engineering — program home:https://engineering.purdue.edu/NE Purdue Engineering Ryan’s PhD site — University of Rochester, Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE)https://www.lle.rochester.edu/homepage/

    35 Min.
  5. Becoming the No. 1 University for Nuclear Engineering: University of Michigan Deep Dive with Department Chair, Dr. Todd Allen

    08.09.2025

    Becoming the No. 1 University for Nuclear Engineering: University of Michigan Deep Dive with Department Chair, Dr. Todd Allen

    What does it mean to be the #1 nuclear engineering program in the country? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Todd Allen, department chair of the University of Michigan’s Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences (NERS) program, to explore the history, mission, and future of a department that blends technical excellence with human-centered education. From submarines to art tunnels, this conversation offers a 360° look at what makes Michigan a true nuclear powerhouse. We cover: How a student-led movement after WWII became the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Project How Michigan is preparing students for advanced nuclear innovation The creation of a living memorial through art and engineering Undergraduate and graduate experiences in one of the world’s most well-funded and research-rich departments The Harper All Stars and how mentorship and scholarships are shaping the next generation The OECD Global Forum on Nuclear Energy Science, Technology & Policy, hosted at Michigan this fall 🔬 Michigan NERS Main Pagehttps://ners.engin.umich.edu 🕊️ History of the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Projecthttps://ners.engin.umich.edu/academics/harperacademy/https://www.charlesharpercharities.org/harper-academy-4-future-nuclear-engineers 🎨 Phoenix-Themed Tunnel Art Installationhttps://news.engin.umich.edu/2023/08/a-nuclear-engineering-education-inspired-by-art 🧑‍🎓 Harper Academy All Stars (Charles Harper Charities)https://ners.engin.umich.edu/2024/09/16/harper-academy-all-stars-support-ners-researchhttps://www.charlesharpercharities.org/harper-academy-4-future-nuclear-engineers 🌍 OECD Global Forum on Nuclear Energy Science, Technology & Policy – Hosted at U-Mhttps://ners.engin.umich.edu/2024/07/01/u-m-to-host-oecd-nea-global-forum-on-nuclear-energy Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help us amplify the future of nuclear energy. Follow Naked Nuclear  for more episodes that strip away the jargon and dive deep into the people, programs, and power behind nuclear science.

    35 Min.

  6. 01.09.2025

    After-Pop! What is Reactor Physics?

    Ever wonder how tiny particles can power whole cities? In this After-Pop! we follow our previous episode with Ikhwan Khaleb and dive into the world of reactor physics — the science behind nuclear chain reactions, neutrons, and keeping everything safe and steady. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What reactor physics actually means (and why it matters). The “life cycle” of a neutron, from birth to absorption. How scientists keep reactors balanced using criticality. What students study in reactor physics classes. Wanna learn more about reactor physics straight from the (peer-reviewed) source? Checkout these guides:   Stacey, W. M. (2018). Nuclear Reactor Physics (3rd ed.). Wiley-VCH. Comprehensive textbook covering neutron life cycles, chain reactions, and reactor kinetics. Lamarsh, J. R., & Baratta, A. J. (2017). Introduction to Nuclear Engineering (4th ed.). Pearson. Widely used undergraduate text explaining the fundamentals of reactor physics in accessible language. Duderstadt, J. J., & Hamilton, L. J. (1976). Nuclear Reactor Analysis. Wiley. Classic reference on neutron transport, diffusion theory, and criticality. American Nuclear Society (ANS). (2021). Nuclear Science and Technology Basics. Introductory resource created by professional nuclear engineers.https://www.ans.org/nuclear-basics/ U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). (2022). Reactor Concepts Manual: Nuclear Physics Fundamentals. A regulatory training document explaining fission, chain reactions, and control systems.https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/basic-ref/students.html

    8 Min.
  7. UMich NERS Alumni Spotlight: Jenga Blocks, TikTok's, and Life as an International Student

    25.08.2025

    UMich NERS Alumni Spotlight: Jenga Blocks, TikTok's, and Life as an International Student

    Ikhwan Khaleb tells the story of moving from Malaysia to study in the University of Michigan’s NERS program, learning reactor physics in a second language, and turning TikTok into a platform for clear, visual nuclear education. We cover UMich coursework and labs, cultural adaptation, the grind of an international job search, and how engineering work at Holtec fuels his social media explainers. Links & Resources University of Michigan — Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences (NERS) — department homepage (program overview, news, people). ners.engin.umich.edu NERS Graduate Admissions & Applying to the Program (application materials, contact info for Grad Admissions). ners.engin.umich.edu NERS Labs & Research Groups (list of labs, facilities, and the Nuclear Power Simulation Lab / Ford Reactor VR resources). ners.engin.umich.edu NERS Graduate Program overview (MSE & PhD program descriptions and program expectations).

    28 Min.
  8. Now Offering: Recruiting Services with Nuclear Talent Scout

    18.08.2025

    Now Offering: Recruiting Services with Nuclear Talent Scout

    Breaking into the nuclear industry can feel overwhelming, from specialized certifications and security clearances to jobs that never even make it to job boards. In this episode of Naked Nuclear, Danielle shares an exciting new partnership with Nuclear Talent Scout, the premier recruiting firm focused exclusively on nuclear energy. Together, Naked Nuclear and Nuclear Talent Scout are planting the seeds for the next generation of the nuclear workforce. From free resources at nucleartalentboost.com to insider access to unlisted job opportunities, this partnership is all about connecting YOU to meaningful careers in nuclear. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why the nuclear workforce is in such high demand right now (hint: retirements + new builds + advanced reactors). The hidden challenges of nuclear hiring — and how recruiters like Nuclear Talent Scout make a difference. How Nuclear Talent Boost offers free training, cheat sheets, and coaching for those looking to pivot into nuclear. What “Industry Feature Fridays” are and how they’ll spotlight niche experts passing knowledge to the next generation. Why working with Nuclear Talent Scout can give you access to exclusive jobs, resume support, and direct connections to hiring managers. Resources & Links: Register for free career resources: nucleartalentboost.com Learn more about Nuclear Talent Scout: nucleartalentscout.com Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielleallen-nuclear Contact Danielle: danielle@nakednuclear.com And if you’d like to be featured on a future episode, send Danielle a message — don’t forget to share your background and your favorite dessert! 🍰

    8 Min.
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Info

Ever wondered how nuclear energy works or what advanced nuclear technology really means? Naked Nuclear breaks down complex topics like nuclear reactors, fuel types, and emerging technologies into simple, accessible conversations. Whether you're a curious beginner or an energy enthusiast, we make the science behind nuclear power easy to understand so you can launch your career in the clean energy future. Tune in to strip down the fascinating world of nuclear energy—one atom at a time.

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  • Erstellt von
    Danielle Allen
  • Jahre aktiv
    2024 - 2025
  • Folgen
    47
  • Bewertung
    Unbedenklich
  • Copyright
    © Danielle Allen
  • Sendungswebsite
    Naked Nuclear