Trudy Avery of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, earned a BA in Liberal Arts in 1993. Trudy graduated with a BA in Liberal Arts in 1993 while raising four sons under the age of 9 at the time. She recently accepted a position as the senior director of development for The Kennedy Forum, a national nonprofit that focuses on mental health and substance use parity. Previously she was the chief development officer for Pavillon, a nonprofit substance use program located in Mill Spring, North Carolina.
Nuclear technology is used to provide clean, reliable energy. It鈥檚 probably best known for reducing carbon emissions, which is an important factor for companies and countries going carbon neutral. But it also has a variety of uses in medicine, agriculture, space exploration, and industry. With new technological advances, we can also increasingly use it in everyday applications.
When you think of nuclear technology, generating nuclear energy in a power plant may come to mind. Although electricity production is perhaps the most recognizable application of nuclear tech, it isn鈥檛 the only one. Let鈥檚 explore some of the technology鈥檚 lesser known yet growing uses.
Nuclear power is currently used in small nuclear reactors in maritime vessels that need to be at sea for a long time, such as submarines or aircraft carriers. Nuclear energy production results in fewer emissions of greenhouse gasses, which means it鈥檚 a for electric vehicles (EVs). Nuclear-powered EVs would be able to travel farther on faster and longer-lasting charges. Nuclear power also helps produce hydrogen, which could be used in for vehicles or as an alternative to fossil fuels.
Smoke detectors, watches, clocks, and many other everyday products use radioactive materials called to function correctly. , which ionizes the air to detect smoke. Other products, , contain other forms of radioisotopes to improve their overall performance. may contain small amounts of radiation to enhance their color and increase their value. Manufacturers and regulatory agencies adhere to safety standards set in place by
Nuclear technology is a valuable cultural artifacts and art. can identify chemical elements in pigments, which can help scientists determine authorship, detect forgeries, prevent degradation, and uncover hidden paintings beneath other layers of work. Ionizing radiation can be used to disinfect and clean historical artifacts like paintings and mummies by removing mold, fungi, and bacteria.
A subspecialty within radiology, employs tiny quantities of radioactive substances to diagnose and treat cancer, heart disease, neurological disorders, and . introduced into the body emit radiation that can be detected by imaging devices like gamma cameras. are used to target and destroy diseased cells. The diagnostic and therapeutic advances of nuclear medicine continue to improve patient outcomes.
, a process that uses gamma rays to kill bacteria on foodstuffs, helps to reduce spoilage and extend the shelf life of food products. It can help with pest control and delay the ripening of fruits and vegetables, which can help preserve food quality and reduce microbial contamination. Irradiation technology is supported in , and innovations like and further advance the preservation and efficient processing of food.
Nuclear expertise is in demand in outside power plants, such as health care, research, and environmental science. If working in a power plant doesn鈥檛 interest you, but you like the idea of pursuing a career in nuclear technology, your first step is to pursue a degree in nuclear engineering technology, radiation technology, or a related field. Laboratories, university research departments, private companies, and government agencies are all places where you can apply nuclear knowledge. Consider internships or entry-level roles in medical imaging or radiology departments, too. Networking through professional organizations, such as the can help you find new and exciting opportunities, as well.
There are myriad jobs you can pursue in this wondrous field, with more applications being introduced every year as science continues to explore the seemingly limitless potential of nuclear technology. Discover how 91直播鈥檚 , 100% online nuclear engineering technology program can help you reach your career goals, no matter where they may take you.
John Wetsch of Raleigh, North Carolina, earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 1984. He shares, 鈥淎fter finishing my degree at Excelsior I followed up in the next year by completing a concentration in Physics. My degree opened my career path and allowed me to continue my graduate education to complete a PhD in information systems. This led to a successful career in information technology, where I was recognized as a Northrop Grumman Technical Fellow and was a recipient of ComputerWorld’s 100 Top IT Leaders. Excelsior also provides a strong sense of wanting to give back. I was able to serve on the Regents College Alumni Association and was its last President. I was then elected as the 1st President of Excelsior’s Alumni Board and was a recipient of Excelsior’s Founders Award. As a trustee emeritus, my tenure with Excelsior included serving over a decade on the Board of Trustees with one year as vice chair. It was a great honor to be able to represent the University and its students in education and industry on the value of an Excelsior education.鈥�
Dr. Marc D’Andrea of Atlanta earned his Bachelor of Science in 2010. He shares, 鈥淚 wanted to acquire my bachelor鈥檚 degree. I had been to chiropractic school, and I went to pre-med education for three years. I could finish all my prerequisites in that time. After I graduated some of the states required a bachelor鈥檚 degree to obtain a license. Excelsior was the perfect fit. They accepted many of the science credits I acquired in chiropractic school and created a course plan to allow me to get my BS. I thank them for this program.鈥�
Ahmad Zargaran of Prague, Czech Republic, earned a Bachelor of Science in 2014. He shares, 鈥淭he academic degree I earned helped me a lot in my career in consulting engineering work prior to my retirement in 2019. I gained respect, leisure, seniority, and better financial rewards. I thank my friends that encouraged me to continue my education via 91直播. We moved to Czech Republic for retirement with my Czech-born wife. We recently bought a home here and love it. Thank you, 91直播 staff, for helping me to gain my degree that has been long due.鈥�
Carol Boswell of Sunriver, Oregon, earned an Associate of Science in Nursing in 1994. She shares, 鈥淢y nursing career has continued since completing my ASN with Regents in 1994. The additional education allowed me to grow professionally to include working in a Level 3 NICU in California as a member of the neonatal critical care transport team. As years went by, I transitioned into community-based nursing care, with an emphasis on children/family care. During the COVID pandemic, I worked full time as a community immunization nurse. I am currently employed with a large health care facility in occupational medicine.鈥�
Christopher Mullins of Port Charlotte, Florida, earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 2001. Dr. Christopher Mullins completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Arts at Excelsior College before his discharge from the U.S. Navy, where he served as a submariner. He has subsequently completed a Master of Science in Physical Education with a specialization in Health Education and Health Promotion from Mississippi State University, an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership, and a Doctor of Education in School Leadership, both from Saint Leo University. Dr. Mullins has a Florida professional teaching certificate with endorsements in educational leadership (all levels), general science (5-9), social sciences (6-12), health (K-12), and exceptional student education (K-12). He currently works as the lead middle school science teacher and middle school mathematics tutor at Mid Cape Global Academy in Cape Coral, Florida.
Boyi Bokar Sr., of Durham, North Carolina, earned an Associate of Science in Nursing in 2010. He shares, 鈥淚 earned my associate degree in Nursing in 2010, passed the NCLEX Exam and acquired my first nursing job with a teaching hospital, the University Of North Carolina Hospitals at Chapel Hill. In 2013, I enrolled in Winston-Salem State University as an undergraduate and graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. In 2016, I joined the VA Health System as a staff nurse in an inpatient acute psychiatric unit. Years later, I enrolled in the online Psychiatric Mental Health master’s program at Maryville University as a part-time student. At the same time, I maintained my full-time employment, and in 2022, I graduated with a master’s in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing. Now, I am a board-certified Nurse practitioner working with the Marion, Illinois, VA Medical Center.鈥�
Margaret Hartmann of Cresco, Pennsylvania, earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology in 2013. She shares, 鈥淚 was just recently elected to the board of directors for the Monroe County Habitat for Humanity. I am also active in the PA League of Women Voters as well as the Monroe County League of Women Voters.鈥�
Jimmy Briggs of Spanish Fork, Utah, earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 1999. He shares, 鈥淪ince my degree was very general (Liberal Arts), the greatest benefit from completing it was using it as a launch pad to a master’s program, which I completed in 2004. After I retired from the U.S. Army in 2009, both degrees helped me to get a job in the corporate world as a technical writer, which I am still doing today and has been a very successful second career.鈥�
From the first telephone wires to cell phones, innovations in electrical engineering have revolutionized how we connect and live. As the demands of modern society grow and change, electrical engineering continues to evolve, too, improving our efficiency, safety, energy management, automation, and connectivity. New technologies are always being introduced, but let鈥檚 check out some of the most recent developments that have helped advance society.
Advances in electrical engineering help increase the economy, improve safety and health care, solve global challenges, and make for a more connected future. Here are a few of the new technologies in the field.
use digital communication and automation to manage electricity generation, distribution, management, and consumption. Traditional power grids are limited in their ability to adapt to real-time changes. Instead, smart grids use sensors, , and advanced communication systems to adjust to fluctuating energy needs. These grids incorporate renewable energy sources more effectively, as well, promoting a sustainable future. Smart grids also allow households and corporations to generate their electricity, meaning consumers don鈥檛 have to rely on traditional power companies鈥攁nd may even be able to sell surplus electricity back to the grid.
hold on to and later provide energy when renewable sources like solar and wind aren鈥檛 producing power. They promise a source of continued supply and a longer lifespan. ESS can come in a : chemical (batteries), mechanical (pumped hydropower, flywheels), thermal (molten salt), and electromagnetic (superconducting systems). Advanced batteries enhance capacity, safety, and cost-effectiveness, making energy storage more efficient. ESS is helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, supporting clean energy, and helping nations achieve net-zero goals.
enhances efficiency, reliability, and innovation in electrical engineering technologies. AI uses machine learning to analyze data to proactively schedule maintenance on lots of equipment and machinery, minimizing downtime for many businesses. Fault detection systems use AI to diagnose issues in power grids; AI optimizes the energy flow to support eco-friendly solutions to supply and demand patterns. Beyond energy, AI-driven automation is helping food manufacturing industries maintain optimal food environmental conditions and is being utilized in areas like , , and more.
The refers to the totality of devices that collect, analyze, and share data. These 鈥渟mart鈥� devices can range from thermostats and smartwatches to entire smart cities. IoT is essential in building smart grids, smart lighting, and other electrical engineering projects. For example, 5G technology has increased the adoption of IoT products, boosting innovations like smart homes, , machine performance, and .
Electric vehicles (EVs) play an increasingly significant role in the modern world, with innovations in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and power electronics. EVs have shorter charging times, improved battery lives, and efficient power usage, which, along with reduced emissions, makes them appealing to consumers. They contribute to a decreased dependency on fossil fuels, supporting efforts to fight climate change. Improvements in battery development, charging technologies, and AI and IoT integration are primed to push the EV industry further.
Significant advancements are set to continue, driven by new technologies like AI and the IoT. Energy storage solutions, EVs, battery technologies, and grid stability will continue to improve, and we can expect breakthroughs in cryptography and other computer fields. As new technologies emerge, electrical engineers and electrical engineering technologists and technicians will play a critical role in shaping the future; the demand for these professionals will rise as nearly every industry adopts rapidly advancing technologies.
To take advantage of this growing and lucrative field, consider pursuing your degree in electrical engineering technology and get started on a beneficial and rewarding career in shaping the future of technology.
Mary Berkery, department chair, Degree Completion and Liberal Arts for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at 91直播, was featured in the Alpha Sigma Lambda honor society鈥檚 Spotlight on Leadership blog. Mary serves as the chapter councilor for the honor society’s Sigma Zeta chapter at 91直播, and wrote a reflection on the importance of this community to learners.聽
.
