Mary Fran Reed
Mary Fran Reed, Ph.D., is a scientist, author, and world traveler whose career spans groundbreaking research, higher education, government service, and global exploration. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Chemistry and her Ph.D. in Nuclear Science from the University of California, Berkeley, where her dissertation advanced the understanding of nuclear reaction mechanisms. Over the course of her academic career, Dr. Reed published and presented more than 30 papers, sharing her expertise with the American Physical Society, Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and the Society of Nuclear Medicine. She was honored as Outstanding Woman Faculty Member at the University of Kentucky and its Medical School, where she established a radiopharmaceutical research and development program that secured significant grant funding while teaching courses in chemistry, nuclear medicine physics, and radiation protection. She later brought her expertise to public service, serving as a Health Physicist for the California Department of Health Services and as Chief of the Nuclear Power Plant Planning Section for the State of California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.
After a distinguished scientific and government career, Dr. Reed embarked on a remarkable new chapter—sailing the world with her husband aboard a liveaboard yacht. Over the course of her voyages, she visited 41 countries and crossed multiple oceans, including the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, navigating waterways from the South China Sea to European canals with over 600 locks. Following her husband’s passing, she transitioned into financial services, motivated by a desire to help individuals and families gain financial literacy and independence—knowledge she wished she had earlier in life. She earned licenses in life, annuities, and investments, building a second career as a trusted advisor in retirement and wealth planning.
Dr. Reed resides in Boca Raton, Florida, and channels her energy into writing, advocacy, and community engagement with a fierce commitment to climate action. Under the pen names Beth Reed and Frannie Guerin, she has published a range of creative works—from a fantasy romantic comedy to a practical guide for world cruisers. Now, writing as Mary Fran Reed, PhD, she brings her scientific expertise and sense of urgency to the forefront of the climate conversation. Her acclaimed book “ATOMIC GREEN: Nuclear Power Can Stop Climate Change” serves as both a rallying cry and a roadmap, making the case for nuclear power as a vital solution to the global climate crisis. A Global Book Award winner, Reed is not only raising awareness—she’s mobilizing readers, challenging outdated perceptions, and refusing to stay silent in the fight for a just and sustainable future.
• Global Book Awards 2025
• University of California, Berkeley- Ph.D.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my determination to pursue science with purpose—from my early work in the lab at Livermore to my studies at UC Berkeley—and to my passion for advancing green energy solutions, which ultimately inspired me to write “ATOMIC GREEN: Nuclear Power Can Stop Climate Change” and advocate for reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and save our planet.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Pursue your passion and what you believe in. Don't let stereotypes stop you.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to remember that science—and especially green energy—is vital for our future, so use your voice to engage with legislators and advocate for policies that move us toward a more sustainable world.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Global warming is the existential challenge of our time
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Curiosity and integrity have guided me throughout my life, inspired by my father’s work as a technical writer and my own path in nuclear science. I balance this drive with mindfulness practices like Tai Chi and Chi Gong and find daily joy in the companionship of my Maltese, Toby. These values now shape my commitment to addressing the climate crisis. I believe the most urgent and effective solution is one we can no longer ignore: safe, clean, always-available nuclear power, working alongside renewables to protect our planet and way of life.
