Reflections from the American Nuclear Society Student Conference

Dana Hejazi (Cohort 13) is a senior at the University of California, Berkeley. She attended the American Nuclear Society Student Conference at the beginning of April as a representative of her university and of the KGSP. As she nears graduation and her transition to her studies at KAUST, Dana provides a reflection of her conference experience and the value of these unique opportunities that the KGSP provides for students through funding and facilitating conference attendance.

“As I walked through the halls of the University of New Mexico during this year's American Nuclear Society (ANS) Student Conference, I could not help but reflect on how significantly this event has shaped my academic and professional journey. After presenting my research at last year's conference, I fell in love with the entire experience - the people, the presentations, the possibilities. Now, in my senior year at UC Berkeley, I knew I had to join our ANS delegation one more time to support my friends and immerse myself again in this vibrant community.

The nuclear industry often feels like a small world, which makes these gatherings all the more special. It is always nice catching up with familiar faces. Meeting our nuclear criticality safety evaluation project mentor from Los Alamos National Laboratory was a perfect example of how this close-knit community works. What strikes me most is that I have yet to encounter other Saudi nationals at these events. This reality has motivated me to always attend and take part in these events where I can share and discuss my published work on Small Modular Molten Salt Reactors in Saudi Arabia, and the goals our Kingdom has for Nuclear Energy.

The technical sessions at this year's conference were particularly valuable for my ongoing research. As someone who has been working on elemental analysis and solubility studies in molten salts, I found myself captivated by presentations that complemented my work. Each session offered fresh perspectives and methodologies that I am eager to incorporate into my research. It is this cross-pollination of ideas that makes the ANS conference so intellectually stimulating – watching presentations on similar research challenges helps me to refine my own approach and consider new angles I have not previously explored.

The space propulsion session was an unexpected highlight, providing invaluable insights for our senior design project. As we grapple with the complexities of nuclear applications beyond Earth, hearing from other researchers was both inspiring and practical. I found myself taking extensive notes, knowing they would prove crucial when our team reconvenes at Berkeley.

While my own technical interests were well-served by the conference, I was also there to support my friends who were presenting. Watching them confidently share their research filled me with immense pride. Being able to offer encouraging smiles and moral support during their sessions strengthened our bond as colleagues and friends. These are the relationships that transcend our academic pursuits – friendships forged through late nights in the lab and countless hours of study.

Walking through the conference halls as a UC Berkeley student, and discussing Saudi Arabia's energy future, I carry with me the legacy of both institutions that have shaped me. As perhaps the only Saudi attending certain sessions, each conversation becomes an opportunity to bridge worlds – sharing perspectives that span continents and cultures while highlighting the serious commitment and intellectual curiosity developing in Saudi's emerging nuclear sector.

The career fair at the conference presented both challenges and opportunities. As I navigated through company booths, I could not help but notice the bittersweet reality - Saudi nationals are still largely unable to participate in many nuclear projects due to various restrictions. Nevertheless, I engaged enthusiastically with industry representatives, discussing how Saudi Arabia’s growing interest in nuclear-related research and expressing hope for future collaborations. These conversations, while sometimes difficult, reinforced my commitment to building bridges between the international nuclear community and Saudi Arabia's emerging nuclear sector.

Throughout the conference, I could not help but feel immense joy by the presence of women in nuclear science and engineering. Seeing their confidence and expertise on display reinforced my hope to see more women, especially Saudi women, entering this field. The transformation happening in Saudi Arabia through Vision 2030 has opened unprecedented opportunities for women in STEM fields. I eagerly anticipate future ANS conferences where Saudi female engineers and scientists present their research, bringing unique perspectives that will undoubtedly enrich the global nuclear dialogue and inspire the next generation of young women to pursue careers in nuclear energy.

None of this would have been possible without the KAUST Gifted Student Program (KGSP). Their unwavering support has allowed me to represent Saudi Arabia in this specialized field – opening doors that might otherwise have remained closed. KGSP has not just funded my education; they have invested in a vision where Saudi voices contribute meaningfully to global scientific discourse. Their belief in my potential has empowered me to navigate spaces where Saudi representation has been limited.

A personal highlight was meeting ANS President Lisa Marshall and capturing a photo together. Her talks on diversity in the nuclear field resonated for me particularly as someone often representing an underrepresented nationality in these spaces. It was truly an honor to meet her and hear her vision for a more inclusive industry.

As my time at UC Berkeley draws to a close, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for the professors, mentors, and fellow students who have shaped these past four years. Their guidance, support, and friendship have transformed me from an eager international student into a confident researcher ready to contribute to the field. These relationships have been the bedrock of my academic journey, and I know they will continue to influence my path long after graduation.

As I prepare to graduate and begin my next chapter at KAUST this fall, I feel immense pride knowing that Saudi Arabia is joining the global nuclear community. While my focus at KAUST will be in Mechanical Engineering, I hope to introduce more nuclear-related projects and foster international collaborations during my time there. The Kingdom's nuclear ambitions represent not just energy diversification but also opportunities for students like me to build bridges between Saudi institutions and the global nuclear community. As I mentioned earlier, I eagerly anticipate the day when more Saudi projects will be presented at conferences like this, contributing our unique perspective to this essential field.

This ANS Student Conference was not just a professional event for me - it was a reminder of how far I have come and a glimpse of where our industry is headed. In the small world of nuclear, connections matter, and I am grateful for every relationship built during my time at UC Berkeley and through ANS. I urge more Saudis to attend these conferences and join the nuclear field – your perspectives are needed, your contributions will be valued, and the opportunities to shape our energy future are limitless.”