Chattanooga, TN (July 28, 2016) --- Matthew Davis, Vincent Scott, Jacob Bianculli, T. J. Hampton, Tamika Garland, officers in the Chattanooga State American Nuclear Society (ANS) student chapter, had the opportunity to attend the annual ANS Student Conference recently held at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, thanks to funding provided by the Student Government Association Club and Organization Fund. This conference welcomed more than 500 students and professionals from around the country for a three-day event highlighting the conference theme, “Being a Critical Member of the Nuclear Industry,” which is modeled after the four-factor Formula for nuclear reactor criticality, k=nfpe, the four factors believed to be necessary for critical success in the professional world: Nuclear opportunities, Forming our public image, Professional development, and Entrepreneurship

The conference provided learning opportunities about these factors because professionals in the nuclear industry need to have a balance of many different skills and attributes in order to succeed. Keynote speakers included Michael Corradini, Wisconsin Distinguished Professor; Jim Meister, Vice President of Operations Support, Excelon Nuclear; Donald R. Hoffman, President & CEO, Excel Services Corp. & Chair of the Virginia Nuclear Energy Consortium Authority; Joyce Connery, Chair of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board; Robert C. Fine, ANS Executive Director; and Eugene S. Grecheck, ANS President 2015-2016.

Regional tours were scheduled to Fermilab, Kewaunee Nuclear Power Plant, UW Fusion & Plasma Facility, SHINE Medical Technologies & Phoenix Nuclear Lab, UW Thermal Hydraulics Labs & Tantalus, and UW Medical Physics & Hospital. In addition, a career fair featured more than 30 companies and universities that met with students to discuss future career opportunities.

Matthew, Jacob, and T. J. graduated from the nuclear power program, while Vincent and Tamika graduated from the radiation protection program. Matthew served as president of the Chattanooga State Student Chapter of the American Nuclear Society with Jacob as vice-president and Tamika as treasurer. The Chattanooga State ANS Student chapter was selected as Club of the Year during the Hats Off to Excellence showcase. Assistant Professor Lisa Miller was chosen as advisor of the year.

For more information on Chattanooga State Engineering & Information Technologies programs in Nuclear Power Engineering Technology, Radiation Protection, Non-Destructive Testing Technology, or Quality Assurance/Quality Control, call 423.697.4434 or visit www.chattanoogastate.edu/engineering-information-technologies.