It’s not every day you get the opportunity to meet amazing nuclear scientists leading their field. From crisis response to global collaboration, these professionals act as behind-the-scenes protectors, supporting nuclear safety, compliance, and training for critical operations.
We spoke with three women working at the UK defence research facility, AWE:
Senior Science Manager, Gemma, Senior Scientist, Nuclear Threat Reduction, Jodie, and Radiation Protection Adviser, Megan.
They share their stories of career progression, how their roles impact them, and ways their expertise directly contributes to national security, emergency response, and military readiness.
Q: Can you share a little about your roles and any projects you’re part of?
Gemma: I’m Deputy Group Leader for Radiation Protection & Dosimetry. I’m lucky enough to work with groups advising AWE and external parties on the safe and compliant use of ionising radiations. Our teams support nuclear counter-terrorism activities.
Jodie: I lead a large team that includes volunteer emergency responders from across AWE. Together, we support the UK’s response to radiological and nuclear (RN) terrorism, as well as emergencies involving UK nuclear weapons (in the extremely unlikely event they should occur).
Megan: Some of my work is desk-based, such as preparing and reviewing mandatory documentation, but I spend a lot of my time developing and delivering training courses for external specialists.
Q: It sounds like each of your roles extends to national security. What kind of external specialists do you collaborate with, and what does that partnership look like?
Gemma: One aspect of my role involves overseeing project management for external contracts, including those with the police and the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP). This requires emergency response scenarios, where the team is on call 24/7, using their expertise to keep people safe.
Jodie: My team uses their unique scientific expertise to support the police, military, and central government in investigating and dealing with suspected RN terrorism. This ranges from training and exercises to supporting real investigations and incidents.
Megan: I advise our military customers on complying with legislation regarding ionising radiation. This includes teaching them how to use radiation monitoring equipment to support their unique roles, enabling them to protect themselves and, ultimately, us.
Q: What’s an aspect of your current role that you really enjoy?
Gemma: No two days are the same! I’m proud to lead a passionate team of experts whose scientific knowledge is crucial in keeping our country safe and sites operational.
Jodie: My greatest career highlight at AWE was working at the 2012 Olympics, leading a team of expert scientists to provide live support in case of a nuclear terrorist attack. We provided strategic advice to the government, set up specialist radiation detection equipment, and provided real-time, 24/7 support to keep the public safe.
Megan: I spend the majority of my time training UK military specialists, so it’s great to have the opportunity to deploy with them and provide support during overseas exercises, participating with other NATO countries. Since I work with specialists at various stages in their careers, it’s great to see them progress. Often, when they first encounter radiation, they can be scared of the unknown and reticent about getting involved. So, it’s very rewarding to see them grow in their confidence and understanding of how to detect radioactive materials and how to protect themselves.
AWE is a WORK180-endorsed employer, genuinely committed to advancing women’s careers.
Discover AWE’s formal policies for flexible work, career development opportunities, and more.
Q: Tell us more about what it’s like working at AWE and the support available.
Gemma: AWE fosters an incredibly supportive environment. I’ve been able to learn so much from those around me, and have some amazing, inspiring mentors. I’ve been happy to pay it forward by mentoring and supporting others in their careers. Seeing others grow and develop is something I find incredibly rewarding. I’ve always felt like it’s a safe environment where I can challenge processes, push different ideas forward, and make improvements for the teams I work with.
Jodie: I started in AWE’s graduate program, which was excellent in setting me up with all the tools I needed to begin working in such a large, complex business. The company supports our memberships in various technical institutions. For instance, AWE pays for my Institute of Physics membership and numerous courses and conferences for me to attend. I’ve also been lucky enough for AWE to fund my Master of Science (MSc), which I undertook part-time.
Megan: Working for a large organisation provides plenty of opportunities to learn and broaden my experience. Networking with other radiation protection professionals has been essential to my career development.
