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What do I do if I love both petrochemical engineering and nuclear engineering?
My goal for my career is to find a way of making products like gasoline and diesel using nuclear reactors. However, I am not sure as to what path I should take: do I start my own business? Do I work my way to the top of an already established company?
Thanks for the advice.
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3 answers
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Hey, Lukas,
Your passion for both petrochemical and nuclear engineering, especially in using nuclear reactors for cleaner fuel, is truly inspiring. This blend of fields is exactly what the energy sector needs right now. While the path ahead might be unclear, that’s what makes it thrilling. You’re not just following a plan—you’re helping to create one.
Start by getting hands-on experience through internships or research in areas where nuclear and chemical processes meet. Companies like TerraPower, X-Energy, NuScale, Shell, and ExxonMobil’s low-carbon divisions, as well as national labs like INL, ORNL, and Argonne, are leading the way in nuclear energy and synthetic fuel. Platforms like ARPA-E and CleanTech Open offer great opportunities to explore new clean energy ideas. Joining groups like the American Nuclear Society (ANS) or the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) can also give you valuable connections, guidance, and knowledge.
Keep your curiosity alive, engage with others, and share your thoughts. The leaders of tomorrow often connect through open communication. By being active, you’ll find mentors, partners, and maybe even investors. You’re stepping into a crucial moment where the future is still being shaped, and your efforts can truly make a difference. Keep moving forward, focus on your bigger goals, and remember that the energy world needs your vision and determination.
Your passion for both petrochemical and nuclear engineering, especially in using nuclear reactors for cleaner fuel, is truly inspiring. This blend of fields is exactly what the energy sector needs right now. While the path ahead might be unclear, that’s what makes it thrilling. You’re not just following a plan—you’re helping to create one.
Start by getting hands-on experience through internships or research in areas where nuclear and chemical processes meet. Companies like TerraPower, X-Energy, NuScale, Shell, and ExxonMobil’s low-carbon divisions, as well as national labs like INL, ORNL, and Argonne, are leading the way in nuclear energy and synthetic fuel. Platforms like ARPA-E and CleanTech Open offer great opportunities to explore new clean energy ideas. Joining groups like the American Nuclear Society (ANS) or the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) can also give you valuable connections, guidance, and knowledge.
Keep your curiosity alive, engage with others, and share your thoughts. The leaders of tomorrow often connect through open communication. By being active, you’ll find mentors, partners, and maybe even investors. You’re stepping into a crucial moment where the future is still being shaped, and your efforts can truly make a difference. Keep moving forward, focus on your bigger goals, and remember that the energy world needs your vision and determination.
Dear Mr Tesfay,
Many thanks for the suggested programs! I shall check them out and keep expanding my network. I wish you good fortune in your career .
Best Regards, Lukas E
Lukas
Updated
Victoria’s Answer
My advice would be, seeing you already have the educational qualification, you should join an established company to gain a good working experience that will provide you insight into the industry. You will be able to build a solid network and connect with professionals in the nuclear and energy industries.
You can also attend conferences, join relevant organisations, save up, and get support or partnerships to fund your business in the future.
You can also attend conferences, join relevant organisations, save up, and get support or partnerships to fund your business in the future.
Dear Ms Umoren,
Thank you very much for the advice. I'm attending an energy research camp in the midyear, and will continue to look for opportunities like it. I wish you the best of fortune in your career.
Best Regards, Lukas E
Lukas
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Lukas,
Your proposal is an interesting research opportunity. Current research focuses on using nuclear heat & hydrogen to convert plant biomass into biofuels that can replace the entire range of liquid fossil fuels.
Given that the petroleum whose products we currently use was formed millions of years ago from marine life (plants, algae & bacteria) under intense heat & pressure conditions, replication of such natural processes is entirely possible. Practical replication of this phenomenon, I guess remains the main bone of contention.
Your interest clearly aligns with this paradigm. A relevant research institution is the right place to start.
Your proposal is an interesting research opportunity. Current research focuses on using nuclear heat & hydrogen to convert plant biomass into biofuels that can replace the entire range of liquid fossil fuels.
Given that the petroleum whose products we currently use was formed millions of years ago from marine life (plants, algae & bacteria) under intense heat & pressure conditions, replication of such natural processes is entirely possible. Practical replication of this phenomenon, I guess remains the main bone of contention.
Your interest clearly aligns with this paradigm. A relevant research institution is the right place to start.
Dear Mr Vvuko
Thank you very much for this answer. It is wonderful to know that there are people who also love nuclear energy. I wish you a happy retirement.
Best Regards, Lukas E
Lukas