From inventing nuclear power to working on site, women have played a pivotal role in the creation and development of nuclear energy.

Nuclear energy has its roots with a woman and her curiosity about uranium.

Marie Curie.

In the late 1890s, Polish-born French physicist and chemist Marie Curie used her husband, Pierre’s, electrometer to discover that uranium rays caused the air around them to conduct electricity.

She launched a research effort to isolate radium salts from the mineral pitchblende – and she succeeded April 20, 1902. Her groundbreaking discoveries in understanding the structure of the atom to isolate it for energy generation opened the door to the nuclear age, leading to innovative uses of radioactivity for nuclear energy as well as health care.

As a female scientist in the 19^th century, Madame Curie broke barriers in the male-dominated field. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, the first and only woman to win the Nobel Prize twice, and the only person to win the Nobel Prize in two scientific fields. In 1906, she became the first woman to become a professor at the University of Paris.

While nuclear energy remains a male-dominated field, women continue making advancements, particularly in leadership roles.

In Alabama, women are in key positions when it comes to the reliable production of carbon-free energy at Alabama Power’s Farley Nuclear Plant.

Jamie Coleman.

Jamie Coleman is the Fleet Licensing manager for Southern Nuclear, which operates Plant Farley. In this position, she works with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the industry’s regulator, and ensures Southern Company’s six nuclear units operate in accordance with federal requirements.

Coleman began her career at Farley in 2003 upon graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering.

“I didn’t know much about nuclear energy until I interviewed for a job at Plant Farley,” said Coleman. “Everyone I talked with was so passionate about nuclear. I left Plant Farley that day with the impression that nuclear was the future and answer to our country’s energy needs, and I wanted to be a part of it.”

Coleman is among an elite group of women in the nuclear industry who have earned a senior reactor operator’s license from the NRC. Licensed reactor operators and senior reactor operators are responsible for operating the controls of a nuclear power plant. They must pass a written exam and an operating test before the NRC will issue a license. The senior reactor operator exam also measures the person’s ability to direct licensed operators.

“We started out with about 16 people in my license class, but I was the only woman,” Coleman said. “Being in operations was one of the best jobs I’ve had with the company. The opportunities and knowledge gained during my time in operations have been invaluable.”

With respect to her experiences in a predominantly male field, Coleman said, “It’s the only point of view I have, so it’s hard to say how it’s different, but in my opinion it is a positive thing. I know that I bring a different perspective and different opinions to every team that I am a part of. Being diverse adds value and I’m happy to be able to do that. I have never felt like I’ve been given an advantage over my peers or had a disadvantage because I am a woman.

“My biggest obstacle, which is probably the same with many others, is trying to have it all,” Coleman said. “I want a happy, healthy family and a fulfilling career. It hasn’t always been easy. I have three children, so work travel, overtime and advancement were limited for me for a while … by choice. It has taken awhile to figure out what works for me.”

Samantha Boswell.

Samantha Boswell earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and a Master of Science degree in Business Administration and has been employed at Plant Farley for 15 years.

Boswell began her career as a chemistry technician and transitioned to performance improvement and organizational effectiveness. She currently works as a nuclear chemist and the department’s Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) administrator.

“In my role, I monitor our nuclear IQ database, which stores our chemistry data and quality control checks and scheduling,” Boswell said. “I write procedures for chemistry and lead initiatives in corrective actions, safety and health, and new lab instrumentation.”

Growing up, Boswell never dreamed she’d be working in nuclear energy. In fact, she had no idea there were nuclear power plants in Alabama.

“When I began looking for a job after college, I found opportunities posted at Plant Farley,” Boswell said. “When I finally had the opportunity to accept an offer from the plant, I knew it was going to be life-changing. I fully recognize the unique opportunity I have being a part of the nuclear energy industry.”

As a woman working in a predominantly male field, Boswell said, “It can be challenging at times, if you let it be. Take advantage of any opportunity to grow. This can be extra training outside of your immediate duties or exposure in a different area. Be versatile and embrace change. You never know where your next opportunity may lead you, so be prepared for the unknown.”

Throughout March, Alabama NewsCenter is recognizing Alabama women of distinction, past and present, in celebration of Women’s History Month.