The Nuclear Frontier: Women Powering the Future of Clean Energy
The Nuclear Frontier: Women Powering the Future of Clean Energy
Join us for our second annual Women in Nuclear event hosted by NiCE Columbia University. This will be an evening spotlighting leadership, innovation, and opportunity at the forefront of nuclear energy.
The program will begin with a private documentary film screening of The Nuclear Frontier courtesy of The Nuclear Company, offering a timely look at the evolving role of nuclear in the clean energy transition.
Following the film, a panel of leaders from across the nuclear ecosystem will discuss how women are shaping the future of advanced nuclear: spanning technology, finance, policy, and deployment. From space-based nuclear applications to large-scale project development and investment, the conversation will highlight the breadth of pathways driving the industry forward.
The evening will conclude with a reception for continued conversation and networking. This event is designed for students and professionals alike who are curious about where nuclear energy is headed, and the incredible women helping to get it there.
Headline Speakers Include:
Julie Kozeracki- Acting Chief Investment Officer for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Dominance Financing (EDF) and serves as the office's Nuclear Sector Lead. Ms. Kozeracki has been instrumental in EDF's provision of both a $1.52 billion loan to restart the Palisades nuclear reactor in Michigan and a $1 billion loan to restart the Crane Clean Energy Center in Pennsylvania.
Dr. Bhavya Lal- Widely recognized as a leading authority on U.S. space nuclear power and propulsion policy, strategy, and execution, with more than three decades of experience at the intersection of nuclear engineering, space technology, and national policy. At NASA, Dr. Lal served as Associate Administrator for Technology, Policy, and Strategy and as the first woman to act as NASA’s Chief Technologist.
Jhansi Kandasamy- Vice President of Advanced Nuclear for The Nuclear Company, who brings over 35 years of nuclear industry experience and expertise in uniting public and private organizations. Kandasamy led Idaho National Laboratory’s Net-Zero program, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2031. Kandasamy is a past chair of the 5,000-member U.S. Women in Nuclear and serves on the Women in Nuclear Global board.
Viola Aureggi- Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer of Exodys Energy, leading the company’s financial strategy, government funding, and commercial structuring for its nuclear fuel recycling technology. Prior to Exodys, she worked at the New York Stock Exchange, where she structured and launched over 200 exchange-traded products, including a $4.4B BlackRock fund. Her background spans institutional investing, deeptech financial advisory, and government funding.
Co-Hosted By:
- Nuclear is Clean Energy (NiCE) Columbia
- Center on Global Energy Policy (CGEP)
- The Nuclear Company (TNC)
- Columbia Energy Association (CEA/SIPA)
- Energy & Infrastructure, Columbia Business School (CBS)
- Green Business Club, Columbia Business School (CBS)
- Nuclear New York (NNY)
- Columbia Sustainable Finance Professionals Network (CSFPN)
Location
Earl Hall
2980 Broadway, New York, NY 10027, USA