From an early age, Sanford was drawn to mathematics and problem-solving which led him to a career in engineering. “I found the nature of engineering appealing because success is measured by objective results, either the design works or it doesn’t,” he explained.������

Throughout his career, Sanford has often been one of a few, if not the only, Black professionals on his team. While this presented challenges,��including the weight of representation and the need for heightened awareness in professional settings, he found strength in self-confidence and a commitment to mentorship. “It has given me a deeper understanding of the importance of inclusion, not just for those who share my background,��but for all underrepresented groups.”����

His role in the nuclear industry takes on even greater significance as he paves the way for future engineers. “Representation matters,” he said. “Being here means that younger students, especially from marginalized backgrounds, can see that a career in nuclear engineering is possible for them too.”����

Since joining Waterford 3, Sanford has played a critical role in multiple engineering disciplines, including central programs engineering, systems engineering and electrical design engineering. His expertise spans across regulatory compliance, troubleshooting complex plant issues and optimizing preventative maintenance strategies to enhance reliability.������

As a leader within the DIB group, Sanford is passionate about expanding outreach efforts to local schools and underserved communities. He envisions partnerships with other industries and educational institutions to create mentorship programs, site tours and academic support initiatives.����

Looking ahead, Sanford sees inclusion as a defining factor in shaping the future workforce. “Younger generations prioritize diversity when choosing employers. Companies, like Entergy, that embrace these values will attract the best minds in STEM,” he said.��

From an early age, Sanford was drawn to mathematics and problem-solving which led him to a career in engineering. “I found the nature of engineering appealing because success is measured by objective results, either the design works or it doesn’t,” he explained.������

Throughout his career, Sanford has often been one of a few, if not the only, Black professionals on his team. While this presented challenges,��including the weight of representation and the need for heightened awareness in professional settings, he found strength in self-confidence and a commitment to mentorship. “It has given me a deeper understanding of the importance of inclusion, not just for those who share my background,��but for all underrepresented groups.”����

His role in the nuclear industry takes on even greater significance as he paves the way for future engineers. “Representation matters,” he said. “Being here means that younger students, especially from marginalized backgrounds, can see that a career in nuclear engineering is possible for them too.”����

Since joining Waterford 3, Sanford has played a critical role in multiple engineering disciplines, including central programs engineering, systems engineering and electrical design engineering. His expertise spans across regulatory compliance, troubleshooting complex plant issues and optimizing preventative maintenance strategies to enhance reliability.������

As a leader within the DIB group, Sanford is passionate about expanding outreach efforts to local schools and underserved communities. He envisions partnerships with other industries and educational institutions to create mentorship programs, site tours and academic support initiatives.����

Looking ahead, Sanford sees inclusion as a defining factor in shaping the future workforce. “Younger generations prioritize diversity when choosing employers. Companies, like Entergy, that embrace these values will attract the best minds in STEM,” he said.��

In 2016, Parks started her Entergy career as a decontamination technician at New York’s Indian Point ���ϳԹ��� Center, which closed in 2021. But quickly she realized she wanted more. ������

“I knew I didn’t want to stop there,” Parks recalls. “I looked into radiation protection, took the test, earned my quals, and became an RP technician. It’s something I love doing and I’m very passionate about it.”������

Parks’s journey led her to Waterford 3 Steam Electric Station in Kilona, La., where she has spent the past three years expanding her expertise in a fast-paced environment, monitoring contamination and radiation levels while ensuring the safety of the public and plant personnel. “It’s fun to me,” she said. “I feel like you never work a day in your life if you enjoy what you are doing.” ����

Mentorship played a critical role in Park’s development. She credits retired RP Tech��Duane��Miller��as a key figure in her career, as well as��Brittany Scott, a former Arkansas Nuclear One technician who inspired her. “I remember my second planned maintenance and refueling outage, seeing Scott at the desk, confidently explaining nuclear concepts like it was her first language. I told myself, ‘I want that to be me one day.’” ����

Years later Parks found herself in that very position, knowledgeable, respected and helping guide work crews through RP procedures. “I looked back and realized that I had achieved my goal.”��������

Leadership and the power of representation������

Parks isn’t the only woman making strides at Waterford 3. She highlights the impact of��Melody (Mel) Gibson,��RP��manager, as a trailblazer. “Mel started in housekeeping and is now the radiation protection manager. That is major. She came in dominating, bringing new ideas and pushing our program forward.” ����

Beyond her leadership role, Gibson serves as a mentor and advocate. “She pushes you to be the best version of yourself,” Parks said. “She’s paving the way for future women in the industry.” ����

Advice for women and the next generation of female nuclear professionals������

For young women considering careers in STEM and nuclear, Park’s message is clear: never stop learning.������

“Use your resources and learn as much as you can. If you want to get a degree in nuclear, go for it. Find a mentor, that’s one of the biggest things. There are people willing to teach,��and that’s a good thing.”��������

Lisa also encourages women to push past limitations. “When they tell you what you can’t do, show them what you can do.”������

Her final advice to the future generation of female nuclear professionals? “Never limit yourself.”��

Not only did television shows spark Matthews’s interest in engineering, but his curiosity also evolved into a career aspiration after his brother pursued a computer engineering degree. He went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Southern University A&M College.

Prior to joining Waterford 3, Matthews worked at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, a nuclear power plant in Aiken, South Carolina. At Waterford 3, he holds the dual roles of fire protection engineer and chair for the Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging group.

As a leader of the DIB group, Matthews is passionate about community engagement and amplifying diverse perspectives. “This year the Waterford 3 DIB council is focusing on community engagement through volunteerism,” he explained.

Matthews underscores the role diversity plays in engineering and nuclear as a whole.

“Diversity fosters a broad spectrum of perspectives that are essential for innovation, safety and effective problem-solving. It enhances team dynamics and contributes to more comprehensive and sustainable solutions to complex challenges,” he said.

I am an Engineering Instructor/Program Lead at Arkansas Nuclear One. I manage the accredited engineering training program at ANO. This involves not only overseeing the curriculum and delivery of the training at ANO, but also collaborating closely with engineering leadership across our fleet to identify and address any training needs at the fleet level.

Tell me about how your job impacts plant reliability? 

The engineering training program at ANO is designed to ensure our engineers are fully equipped with the essential knowledge and skills needed to effectively support the plant’s operations. Training is provided for initial orientation to introduce engineers to the intricate details and systems of the plant, recurring refresher training to keep skills and knowledge up-to-date, targeted trainings to address any performance gaps or areas requiring improvement and additional specialized trainings as needed. These trainings reinforce the importance of advocacy and technical conscience to improve plant reliability and protect the health and safety of the public.

Tell me about the importance your department has in keeping the plant online? �į

The training department is critical to keeping the plant online. We train operations, technicians, engineers and craft to safely run ANO.

Why do you love ANO?

I love the strong sense of community we have here, it’s easy to make friendships with those we work with. I also love the positive influence ANO has on the local River Valley area – ANO truly helps make this a great place to live.

What is a fun fact about you?

My husband is a pilot, and I love to go fly in our plane with him! I’ve started flight training – with him as my instructor.

What is your why?

My family – I want ANO to continue producing clean carbon-free energy to support the needs of our lifestyles and local communities. I am proud to contribute to that.

“Grand Gulf has been a pillar in the local community,” Coleman said. “It’s been an honor to grow up here and develop my career.”��

The chemistry department is responsible for protecting the nuclear reactor. As part of his new job, Coleman provides oversight to the group and makes sure everything is managed properly. He is also excited to develop his technicians and grow their proficiency.��

 “I was developed as a young technician. It afforded me the opportunity to become the chemistry superintendent today,” he said. “I want to be able to pass that knowledge and opportunity down and really teach my technicians we can be part of the solution we want to see.”��

 As Grand Gulf approaches its 40th anniversary, Coleman said he was excited to see that the same nuclear plant that gave him his start is still around and running strong to give those same opportunities to the next generation of nuclear workers in the local community.��

 He also mentioned that as a fun fact, he is a proud Dallas Cowboys fan.��

As a nuclear plant operator, Christian Case plays a key role at Waterford 3 Steam Electric Station in Killona, La. by ensuring the site stays on track in achieving its goals. His responsibilities include monitoring equipment, checking tank levels and ensuring everything operates as it should. He also stays vigilant in identifying and addressing anything off-normal that could impact plant performance or safety.

Commitment to standards

Case embodies Waterford 3’s focus area, commitment to standards, by approaching his tasks with precision and care. “You can go through daily tasks just checking boxes, or you can approach them methodically, using situational and self-awareness to identify anything off-normal,” he said.

Get to know Christian Case

Case began his career at Entergy in 2023 at Waterford 3. Before joining Entergy, he worked as a commercial diver in the oil and gas industry, focusing on the removal and installation of offshore facilities as well as pipeline removal and installation. He wanted to transition to a career path that would allow more time on land and with his family, so he turned his attention to the nuclear industry.

“I looked into nuclear power and found Entergy,” Case said. “I decided to pursue nuclear because it seemed interesting and unique.” He is now a qualified level-C operator and is currently in the B training class.

One example of engaged employees is Kyle Lanoue, a mechanical maintenance repairman at River Bend Station in St. Francisville, La. Lanoue recently contributed an idea during a brainstorming session to utilize a tool from the����—a 3D integral viewer of the station’s Terry turbine,��a vital component used to drive pumps that deliver coolant to the steam generators. This innovative resource will enhance our just-in-time training and will be a vital tool during periodic refueling outages.��

The 3D viewer provides a detailed visual representation of how the turbine disassembles, breaking down each step so that team members can understand their upcoming tasks. This tool is particularly beneficial during the maintenance walk-down process, as it enables users to roll over actual bolts to check stud lengths and sizes, ensuring all work is performed accurately and efficiently.��

“It gives you a full idea of what you plan to see before getting into the work activity in the field. This helps us perform the work activity safely and efficiently,” Lanoue said. “You can come in here, look through the work steps and say, ‘I want to accomplish this when I go out there.’”��

“This is a testament to what can happen when we listen to our workforce and support them by putting into action what would help them do their jobs better, more safely and more reliably while adhering to our schedules,” said��Phil Hansett, River Bend Station site vice president.��

#MeetThePros��

And yet, the season also gives us time to pause, to reflect on 12 months of achievements and challenges, and to plan for fresh beginnings in the spanking-new year.

As we reminisce about the highlights of��’24, it’s only fitting that we spotlight some of the best and brightest moments for Entergy’s nuclear fleet.

Let’s flip some calendar pages and name a few….

In��March, Entergy Nuclear engineered��some exciting changes��in Port Gibson, Miss.! An all-woman group of managers led Grand Gulf Nuclear Station’s engineering team—an important first! Valerie Myers is plant support manager, Tori Robinson led the design projects team and Grace Settoon managed strategic and systems engineering. Since then, in recognition of their excellent work, Robinson accepted a position as design projects manager at the corporate office in Jackson, and Settoon was selected by site leadership to serve as a consultant at the��, headquartered in Atlanta.

In��April, two-thirds of Arkansas fell inside the path of totality during the historic total eclipse, causing a very brief reduction in output at the solar energy stations. Yet, due to Entergy’s diverse energy portfolio—roughly����comes from nuclear—Entergy still kept the lights shining bright��for its customers!

In��June,����with����to����that promises some powerful benefits! The project could increase efficiencies, lower operational costs, prevent generation losses due to equipment failures and improve the predictability of plant operations. If proved successful, Entergy will employ the model at one of its stations and potentially expand to others.

In��September, while the winds of Hurricane Francine howled, thanks to the diligent preparation, strong teamwork and safety-first mindset of Entergy’s nuclear professionals,��their plants stayed on the grid, producing round-the-clock power for its customers. Entergy’s communities are grateful for the strength and resilience not only of nuclear power—but also of the entire team at Arkansas Nuclear One in Russellville, Ark.; Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Port Gibson, Miss.; River Bend Station in St. Francisville, La., and Waterford 3 Steam Electric Station in Killona, La.

Later in��September,��, a consortium of leading North American utilities that advise on the development and commercialization of����fluoride salt-cooled, high-temperature reactor��. Entergy’s Chief Nuclear Officer Kimberly Cook-Nelson said of the alliance, “We believe advanced nuclear technologies will play an important role in decarbonizing the U.S. energy system, and we’re pleased to be in a position to help nurture the development of new resources like KP-FHR.”

In��October, Cook-Nelson was named among the 2024����in the Profiles in Diversity Journal® magazine, which recognizes influential women who are using their talents to improve their workplace and our world. In its third-quarter issue, the journal featured Cook-Nelson’s reflections of her 28 years in the nuclear industry and her advice to never shy away from a challenge, shun the phrase “you can’t” and always remember: It’s about the people.

Also in��October, The��Entergy Charitable Foundation��awarded a����to help the HBCU establish a Critical Power Grid Network Security Lab. As an expansion of the university’s cybersecurity education curriculum, the lab will serve a twofold purpose: to offer students the necessary skills and resources to learn about the industry and to help grow a workforce to meet the needs of nuclear, electric and natural gas companies. Entergy and JSU have partnered before to create the��, another program in the��.

Later that month, Entergy’s nuclear fleet celebrated international��! The company is proud that its five reactors in four locations in Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi can cleanly power small towns, big cities and everywhere in between.�� By harnessing��100% clean nuclear power, Entergy is helping to meet the growing demands of the nation’s carbon-free energy needs.

In��December, Entergy Nuclear topped off the year with the����of��, Unit 1! Now, the two nuclear units at ANO generate not only a steady stream of clean, carbon-free energy but also significant positive impact in the River Valley. The station employs more than 1,000 full-time nuclear professionals who care deeply about their community. And just for good measure, let’s celebrate the contributions made by Entergy’s��entire��nuclear fleet! In 2024, all four nuclear stations—Arkansas Nuclear One, Grand Gulf, River Bend Station in St. Francisville, La. and Waterford 3 Steam Electric Station in Killona, La. — together with Entergy Nuclear headquarters in Jackson, Miss.,��awarded $155,805 in grants to benefit their surrounding communities.

Lowther and Pierson have formed close professional ties over the past 25 years. Originally, Lowther worked for Pierson at Pilgrim Nuclear Station in Plymouth, Massachusetts, which was formerly owned by Entergy, and now Pierson works for Lowther as the employee concerns specialist at Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Vicksburg, Miss.��

“Moving halfway across the country, from Massachusetts to Jackson, and not having much family, you end up getting closer to your family at work than you do normally,” Lowther explained. �į��

On Nov. 15, that longstanding relationship was put to a test. Lowther, senior manager for employee concerns and nuclear safety culture, vividly recalls the events of that day. ��

“Around 11 o’clock, I got a text message from Rich, who is my direct report. I remember that the text was kind of a weird question. And also, in his text there was an upside-down question mark which, honestly, I’ve never even seen in a text message.” ��

Lowther answered his question and added, “Do you need help with anything? Call me if so.” ��

“I was outside the grocery store at that point,” she recalled. “I didn’t get a call from him, so I went into the store. That’s when I got another text a few minutes later, and it was all jumbled up. There were a few words that caught my eyes: experience, stoke and rhythm. And he said he needed his wife home now.” ��

That’s when Lowther’s questioning attitude came into play. “I realized something didn’t sound right there,” she said. “Especially that one word—it said��stoke.” �į��

Lowther called her team member on the spot, and when he answered the phone, he was clearly in distress. ��

“I told him I would call an ambulance, but he argued with me, saying his dogs were at home and his wife was out of town. I said, ‘I will come there and take care of your dogs. I’m hanging up now and calling an ambulance.’” ��

From prior visits, Lowther was able to recall his address and so she summoned an ambulance. “If he didn’t need it, he could turn him away,” she reasoned, “but I wasn’t going to take a chance.” ��

Lowther then informed Pierson’s wife of the event, went to his home to check on his dogs and then headed straight to the hospital to ensure Pierson had everything he needed.��

At the hospital, the doctors confirmed that Pierson had experienced not one but��two��strokes within a five-minute span, and that the cause of the strokes was an undetected underlying condition. ��

Fortunately, after the second stroke, Pierson still had that first text open, and that’s how he was able to text the second time—by swiping his thumb around the keypad and hoping his boss could understand the garbled text. And she did as soon as she read that one word:��stoke. ��

Reflecting on Lowther’s presence of mind, Nuclear Independent Oversight Director��Greg Hudnall��said, “I am convinced that her keen awareness and quick actions changed the outcome for one of our co-workers. This situation serves as a reminder for why it is so important to connect with each other and pay attention to off-normal behaviors.” ��

Lowther later recalled how she was able to act so quickly. “I already had all of my employees’ and spouses’ phone numbers in my phone,” she said. Additionally, she pointed out that it’s important to generally know the whereabouts of her team members. “For example, Rich works a different schedule than I work,” she explained, “so I knew when he texted that he was at home and that was where I needed to send the ambulance.” ��

Hudnall agreed, saying, “Leaders should know emergency contacts and addresses for their team members without having to log in to locate the information. I think that’s something a lot of us might not be prepared for if something similar happened to one of our own. Kristie’s quick actions probably saved this person’s life. I am very proud of Kristie.” ��