Meet the Lise Meitner Programme visiting professionals

"The IAEA Lise Meitner Programme in the Republic of Korea was truly a life-changing opportunity, and I am honoured to have participated. The two-week visiting professional programme provided invaluable experiences through hands-on simulator exercises, facility visits, and professional development sessions. These experiences gave me an avenue to bridge the gap between the theoretical and practical aspects of nuclear power and operation and improve my leadership skills, which benefit my role as a nuclear regulator. I am grateful to have embarked on this journey with 11 amazing women in the nuclear industry." 

Ramat Ladidi Ibrahim from Nigeria,
2024 Lise Meitner Programme Visiting Professional

“I truly had an amazing experience during the two-week Lise Meitner Programme professional visit. As a nuclear engineer, it was a great opportunity to visit various nuclear facilities and industries. Additionally, learning about nuclear safety using computer simulators was new to me, as my research area has been quite limited to the back-end fuel cycle."

YoungEun Jung from the Republic of Korea, 
2024 Lise Meitner Programme Visiting Professional

"I come back from this experience full of new knowledge, including a complete view of what is needed in a country to achieve an ideal nuclear framework, and with the most important treasure, a network of women we have created between the 12 participants and our mentors from the visit. During the mentoring sessions, I learned invaluable information and recommendations to put into practice to continuously develop and reach my highest potential. I can honestly say that after these two weeks, I feel stronger and more confident."

Eva María Delgado Crespo from Spain, 
2024 Lise Meitner Programme Visiting Professional

“A nuclear odyssey! That’s how I would describe the 2024 Lise Meitner Programme visit to the Republic of Korea. It was an insightful, rewarding, and holistic programme that has added immense value to my current and future endeavours in the nuclear field.”

Farisha Panday from South Africa, 
2024 Lise Meitner Programme Visiting Professional

“My time immersed in the Lise Meitner Programme was enriching, providing valuable insights and experiences. As a Ghanaian postdoc researcher at Tsinghua University Hefei Institute of Public Safety Research, I found the programme exceptionally well-structured and immensely beneficial. Moreover, my journey allowed me to explore the rich tapestry of Korean culture, embracing its warmth, hospitality, and delectable cuisine. The opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives and exchange knowledge has been invaluable to my professional growth and personal development.”

Priscilla Obeng Oforiwaa from Ghana, 
2024 Lise Meitner Programme Visiting Professional

''The Lise Meitner Programme provided me with a unique and invaluable opportunity to connect with women nuclear professionals from across the globe. Through engaging in technical workshops, presentations, professional development activities, and facility tours, I was able to build meaningful bonds and exchange knowledge and experiences with fellow professionals in the field. This experience not only enhanced my technical skills and understanding but also fostered a supportive network of colleagues and mentors, creating a lasting impact on my professional development."

Yasmine Balci from Türkiye, 
2024 Lise Meitner Programme Visiting Professional

"The Lise Meitner Programme held in the Republic of Korea was a truly transformative experience for me personally and professionally. Not only was I able to gain valuable insight and connections that I can use in my current role, but I left with clear direction and inspiration on where I want to go in my career.  Although I already loved the field of nuclear energy, I experienced such an electric and invigorating atmosphere as to completely renew my passion. I will forever cherish this incredibly unique opportunity."

Brittney Blackwood from the United States of America, 
2024 Lise Meitner Programme Visiting Professional

"I applied for the LMP while I was considering the next line of action in my career. I wanted to be sure there was a career path for me in the nuclear industry. As I have been using modelling software for about two years, the training was enlightening, and I am now aware of the numerous opportunities in the nuclear industry. In addition, it included an invaluable networking opportunity where I met people who have succeeded in this field and their stories encouraged me. I feel more prepared, equipped, and supported to forge ahead in the nuclear industry." 

Funke Elizabeth Dacosta-Salu from Nigeria, 
2023 Lise Meitner Programme Visiting Professional

“The Lise Meitner Programme gave me a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet women nuclear professionals from around the world and bond with them through technical workshops, presentations, professional development activities, and facility tours. Oak Ridge and Idaho National Laboratories curated a programme that made me think about the importance of modelling and simulation and women’s empowerment in the nuclear industry. I feel that this program has given me lifelong connections that will support me in my career, sharpened my public speaking skills, and inspired me to dream bigger and broader.” 

Shana Johnson from the USA, 
2023 Lise Meitner Programme Visiting Professional

"The Lise Meitner Programme took us through two weeks of carefully selected activities that not only broadened our technical knowledge but also took us out of our comfort zone, providing us with skills to take our career to the next level and boosting our confidence to do so. Personally, I was inspired by the professionals that shared their experience and life lessons with us and came back to my work with a renewed sense of belonging to the nuclear field and the motivation to continue growing professionally." 

Ines Mateos Canals from Spain, 
2023 Lise Meitner Programme Visiting Professional

“The Lise Meitner Programme offered a balanced experience of technical, leadership and networking opportunities. Having the opportunity to develop alongside 10 amazing modelling and simulations experts reinforced my passions as a nuclear engineering professional. I now have a better understanding of various codes that are used for nuclear safety applications. The leadership development aspects of the programme were equally engaging and helpful and I seek to incorporate them into my professional and personal life.” 

Tyra Gordon from Canada,
2023 Lise Meitner Programme Visiting Professional

"The Lise Meitner Programme was an opportunity to learn about the development and application of simulation and modelling tools from experts while testing myself, which not only expanded my knowledge of crucial industry tools but also heightened my awareness of how I could adapt this knowledge to my field of work. Additionally, working on our soft skills provided me with great motivation to pursue my goals with increased confidence." 

Neslihan Yanikomer from Türkiye, 
2023 Lise Meitner Programme Visiting Professional

"The Lise Meitner Programme gave me the opportunity to gain a practical understanding of what I have learned in the classroom all these years. I also had a great time with 11 other women from all over the world who are making meaningful contributions to the nuclear industry." 

Yvonne Dzovor from Ghana,
2023 Lise Meitner Programme Visiting Professional

“The Lise Meitner Programme was an exceptional technical visit focusing on nuclear plant operation that brought together 12 women nuclear professionals. Throughout the programme, I was able to enhance my technical and leadership skills, and expand my international nuclear network. The knowledge and skills gained from lectures, assignments, discussions and technical visits will help me throughout my career at the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.”

Tiffany Dunbar from Canada, 
2023 Lise Meitner Programme Visiting Professional

"The Lise Meitner Programme surpassed all my expectations. It was truly a transformational experience both on a professional and personal level." 

Maria Emilia Sabbatini from Argentina, 
2023 Lise Meitner Programme Visiting Professional

"Attending the Lise Meitner Programme was an eye-opening experience. Witnessing the latest advancements in the nuclear field and engaging with industry experts has truly reinforced my passion for this industry. The programme has not only expanded my knowledge but also ignited a drive to contribute to the future of women in nuclear engineering." 

Simona Miteva from Bulgaria, 
2023 Lise Meitner Programme Visiting Professional

“Participating in the Lise Meitner Programme was an inspirational professional experience. I returned to my job with new skillsets, perspectives, and a renewed sense of passion and belonging for the nuclear field. I will use the skills and connections I have gained from this programme to help advance the nuclear industry through the deployment of new nuclear projects and empowerment of the workforce by mentoring and advocating for women in nuclear.” 

Ciara Sineath from the USA, 
2023 Lise Meitner Programme Visiting Professional

“The Lise Meitner Programme was an amazing adventure and a great opportunity to learn about best practices in the nuclear industry.  The programme allowed us to network with many leaders, but especially with the women of the first cohort. We can now transfer the knowledge we gained to our work and share this with the next generation of young professionals in the nuclear industry. I am very grateful for this opportunity and privilege.” 

Katarzyna Gotowicka from Poland, 
2023 Lise Meitner Programme Visiting Professional