Nuclear Engineer Interview

Fusion energy, if it succeeds, could finally give us the holy grail of an energy source with no geographical resource constraints and no emissions. Kamya Chandrasekhar works as a Neutronics Engineer at Tokamak Energy Ltd, a fusion startup in the UK aiming to build a successful energy producing fusion plant, in the form of a tokamak (a specific type of fusion device shaped like a doughnut).

Kamya talks about being exposed to fusion energy at the Institute of Plasma Research where she further specialized in radiation transport physics. While most of the existing nuclear plants are fission based, the biggest challenge is to generate net positive energy based on nuclear fusion.

Kamya grew up in several places across India since her father was in the Navy, and her mother a teacher. Her curiosity and interest in science came from observing nature and the outdoors. She had access to good libraries where she would read encyclopedias after playing in the evenings.

She graduated with Electrical Engineering from NIT Bhopal but discovered Nuclear Engineering as a branch that existed in US universities during her third year. She opted for that, hoping to do research, and completed her MS in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Kamya faced several challenges in her career path:

• Due to the unusual nature of the field and the impact of nationality, she had hardly anyone to advise her on career options.
• Being brought up in fear of authoritative figures made it difficult for her to stand up for herself.
• Experiencing sexism in the workplace where her opinions were not respected as much as her male counterparts.

Currently, she works as a neutronics engineer at Tokamak Energy Ltd, which aims to solve and gradually build a successful energy producing fusion plant. The fusion plasma burns hydrogen to produce energy and emits radiation in the form of neutrons and gamma rays. The energy from these neutrons must be harnessed while limiting radiation exposure to plant components and people outside the plant.

Her role involves aiding in the design of fusion power plants from a radiation perspective, performing calculations and simulations with radiation transport, and developing advanced materials that can withstand heat and radiation damage.

Skills required for her role include knowledge of radiation transport physics, associated software, and nuclear safety regulations, which she acquired over the years from her previous jobs. Creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, and the ability to work well with others are also important.

A typical day involves performing simulations and calculations to aid reactor design, along with conducting irradiation experiments. She enjoys the variety of her work and the opportunity to interact with engineers from other aspects of plant design.

Kamya believes that fusion energy, if it succeeds, would provide an energy source with no geographical resource constraints and no emissions, helping to mitigate climate change.

Her advice to students includes nurturing multiple passions, understanding oneself, standing up for oneself without ego, and recognising that exams do not necessarily reflect talent.

Future plans involve progressing in her current path while picking up related skills.