Her Story
About Darcy
I've been in the nuclear energy industry for 15 years, and my specialty has always been radioactive waste management. After graduate school, I started working at a nuclear power plant as a health physicist, which gave me valuable hands-on operational experience. I later had the opportunity to work at a national laboratory that was part of the Manhattan Project, where significant quantities of legacy waste from atomic weapons production needed to be cleaned up and disposed of. I served as the Director of Radiation Protection for this legacy cleanup project for about three years.
I wasn't actively looking for a new position when my current role opened at a research organization I had known and respected for quite some time, but I jumped at the opportunity to join. I've now been with the organization for five years and was recently promoted to Technical Executive.
In my current role, I manage large technical research projects focused on radioactive waste generated by nuclear power plants, which involves extensive project management, coordination, and collaboration. I also respond to technical questions and requests from our members across the nuclear industry.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is the opportunity to travel internationally to speak about my research and lead technical discussions. It is both humbling and enriching to engage with professionals from different countries and cultures. Being invited to participate as a technical expert while continuing to learn from others has been one of the most meaningful parts of my career
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Darcy
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I think the word I'm looking for is depth. Cultivate your own depth by reading widely and engaging with people face-to-face, especially those who think differently than you do. Exposure to different ideas and perspectives helps you develop a strong sense of who you are and what you believe.
To be a leader, you need to be an independent thinker with the courage to speak up. That confidence comes from being secure in your values and beliefs. The more you invest in developing your own perspective, the better equipped you'll be to lead with authenticity and conviction.
02What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
It is exciting to see the growing number of countries exploring or entering the nuclear energy sector. Supporting these countries as they build nuclear programs and navigate challenges related to waste management, safety, and sustainability will be both incredibly rewarding and a fascinating challenge. The opportunity to share knowledge, collaborate internationally, and help shape the future of clean energy is something I'm looking forward to.
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