More than 50 U.S. Women in Nuclear members, including seven students, traveled to Washington, D.C., in March to tell their elected officials about the benefits of nuclear energy.

“I was able to share many messages with my elected officials,” said Savannah Avgerinos, a nuclear engineering student at the Missouri University of Science and Technology.  “I was able to bring in a different perspective as a student in that these issues are my future.  I think they really keyed into the student aspect of my visits.”

Avgerinos said she also participated in the Capitol Hill visits to learn more about the process of developing energy legislation.  Jeffrey King, assistant professor of nuclear engineering and mining, drove 15 hours each way so his students could participate in the event.

“I firmly believe that more students need to be involved in the public arena,” King said.  “It’s important for them to learn that they have a voice.  The best way to see that is to do it.”

Combining messages of clean-energy alternatives, job growth and financing, attendees met with senators, representatives and legislative staff.

King said that public engagement is important for engineering students, including advocacy of policy issues that impact nuclear technologies.  The students who made the trip are now planning to visit their state legislature to continue advocacy efforts.

Cynthia Gomez and Michele Mithaugen from Par Nuclear traveled from Minnesota for the congressional briefings.

“This delegation was a perfect opportunity to let my elected officials know how vital the nuclear industry is in our state and what an impact its growth can make throughout the country,” said Gomez, a spare parts representative.

Furthermore, delivering the message in person made a difference, according to Mithaugen, a spare parts/facility buyer.  “I feel we had a very strong and positive impact.  Many contacts wanted more information,” she said.