Kaylyn McCoy, a master’s student in the Utah Nuclear Engineering Program (UNEP), has been accepted to the National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) Graduate Program. A first for UNEP, McCoy’s acceptance into this prestigious and highly competitive program will provide her with insight into the NNSA operations safeguarding the nation. The program’s specialized training will refine the skills to further her research, work and leadership in national security.
“I was inspired to pursue nuclear engineering while working as a civil engineering consultant at the Department of Homeland Security,” McCoy explains. “It was being immersed in the U.S. security environment that piqued my curiosity about our nation’s nuclear security.”
Upon program acceptance, McCoy selected a post at the Nuclear Safety and Health Office in Albuquerque. Other options included the Nuclear Materials Integration and Acquisition (Germantown, MD) and Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Evaluation (Washington D.C.) offices. McCoy feels the Albuquerque office can provide the technical challenges that will increase her knowledge of the operations that make successful national nuclear security possible.
The year-long fellowship program, which is a full-time position administered by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, will begin in June.
“I am looking forward to working with the scientists and engineers that conduct research for and maintain our nation’s stockpile,” McCoy says. “I am certain I will be exposed to many engineering processes.”
Learn more about the Utah Nuclear Engineering Program
Additional information about the NNSA Graduate Program