Radioisotopes: Nuclear Applications Beyond Energy

Julie Ezold has 30 years’ experience in the nuclear sciences at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and is currently on a detail assignment with the Department of Energy Office of Science Isotope Program Office as a Technical Advisor. Previously she was the Californium-252 Program Manager; a multi-million-dollar enterprise that includes the production of Berkelium-249, Einsteinium-253, and other trans-curium products. These trans-curium products have been used in the discovery of a new element, Element 117, aptly named Tennessine. In addition, she held the position of Radioisotope Production and Operations Section Head; responsible for managing the production and optimization of all radioisotopes that are in a continuing and sustained state of demand and production beyond the research and development phases. Julie holds a BS, Nuclear Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Masters, Nuclear Engineering, from North Carolina State University. Her master’s research was conducted at the High Flux Isotope Reactor at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). After completing her master’s, she joined the staff at ORNL and has held positions in engineering, waste management, criticality safety, and isotope production. Julie has been an active American Nuclear Society member since 1988; where she is currently serving on the Board of Directors and is Chairperson of the Scholarship Policy and Coordination Committee. She has also been active with the U.S. Women In Nuclear since 2003 and currently serves on the National Steering Committee.

Eric Loewen is the Chief Engineer and Manager of the Chief Engineer’s Office at GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, where he is responsible for leading the office in supporting new product and technology development, managing technical and enterprise risk, and mentoring and developing technical talent.

Eric graduated from Western State College with a B.A. in chemistry and mathematics, earned a commission in the U.S. Navy, and subsequently attended Navy Nuclear Power School and the Nuclear Prototype. After his active Navy service, he earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Eric worked in private industry prior to joining Idaho National Laboratory (INL) as a systems integration manager and interim department manager. Currently, he is chief consulting engineer at GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) in Wilmington, N.C., where he leads GEH activities to deploy the sodium-cooled advanced reactor PRISM that can recycle used nuclear fuel from the current fleet of water-cooled reactors, as well as fission and eliminate weapons-grade material.

His U.S. Navy leadership roles included: Naval Prototype Nuclear Reactor School Instructor; B-2 Division Officer, Nuclear Quality Officer, Engineering Officer of the Watch, Surface Warfare Officer of the Deck aboard the USS LONG BEACH (CGN-9); and Commanding Officer of two Naval Reserve maintenance support units.

During his career, Eric received many honors and awards including Molten Metal, Inc. Technology Star Award (1995); ANS Public Communication Award (2003); DOE Outstanding Mentor Award (2003); GEH CEO Award (2012).