Empowering Nuclear Innovation: A Conversation with Grace Stanke and Phil Zeringue

At the forefront of the nuclear industry’s transformation are leaders who understand the intersection of technology, sustainability, and innovation. Grace Stanke, Miss America 2023 and a nuclear engineering advocate, recently joined Phil Zeringue, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at NuclearN, for an insightful discussion on the future of nuclear energy, the role of AI, and what it takes to drive meaningful change in today’s evolving energy landscape.

This dynamic conversation touched on key trends in the nuclear industry, the importance of engaging younger generations, and the ways advanced technologies like generative AI are shaping a safer, more efficient future. Here are the highlights from their interview, which will soon be available in both video and written formats.


Breaking Barriers in Nuclear

Grace Stanke has been a trailblazer in her own right, using her platform as Miss America to promote the benefits of nuclear power as a critical component of the clean energy transition. In the interview, Grace shared her perspective on how advocacy efforts and public education can demystify nuclear energy and pave the way for its wider acceptance.

Phil echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the role of partnerships between industry leaders, engineers, and innovators to ensure the nuclear sector stays ahead of the curve. “At NuclearN, we’ve seen how the integration of AI-driven solutions like AtomAssist has bridged gaps in efficiency and compliance, helping nuclear facilities meet regulatory requirements while optimizing their operations,” Phil explained.


The Role of AI in Advancing Nuclear Energy

The discussion highlighted the growing impact of artificial intelligence in the industry. Grace and Phil explored how technologies like NuclearN’s AtomAssist are making strides in streamlining documentation, improving safety protocols, and enhancing outage management.

“When we talk about nuclear energy as a sustainable solution, we’re not just talking about clean energy,” Phil noted. “We’re also talking about adopting technologies that ensure long-term viability and efficiency.”

Grace added that as the industry attracts a new generation of engineers, the ability to leverage intuitive, cutting-edge tools will be key to fostering innovation and retaining top talent.


Inspiring the Next Generation

Both Grace and Phil emphasized the importance of inspiring the next generation of nuclear professionals. Grace’s journey from student to advocate shows how education and mentorship can create powerful ripples of change.

Phil shared NuclearN’s commitment to supporting future leaders through partnerships, training programs, and accessible technology. “The challenges facing the nuclear industry require fresh perspectives,” he said. “By empowering young professionals with the tools and knowledge they need, we can create a more sustainable and innovative future for the sector.”


Looking Ahead

The conversation with Grace Stanke underscored how collaboration, advocacy, and technology are shaping the next chapter of nuclear energy. At NuclearN, we’re proud to contribute to this vision through solutions like AtomAssist and our commitment to fostering partnerships that drive real change.

Review the full conversation here, where Grace Stanke and Phil Zeringue dive deeper into these critical topics. Together, they’re lighting the path forward for the nuclear industry and demonstrating the power of innovation in action.