The Nuclear Energy Society’s Symposium represents the culmination of our effort to equip the public with a clear and nuanced understanding of nuclear energy. Open to anyone who wanted to come, the Symposium brought scientists, engineers, industry leaders, and industry partners together to discuss climate issues and nuclear solutions. A panel was created by the Nuclear Energy Society team, and all questions were student generated. Students are working to publish recordings and write articles following the Symposium.
Symposium Recording
A recording of the Symposium is on the way! Stay tuned!
Check back here soon!
Panel Speakers
Jessica Uhl
Former President,
GE Vernova
Jessica Uhl led GE Vernova, home to GE Hitachi’s BWRX-300 small-modular-reactor program, where she is advanced nuclear as a cornerstone of a net-zero grid. A former CFO of Shell (2016 – 2022), she combines top-tier financial expertise with hands-on clean-tech execution—insight critical to scaling next-generation nuclear power.
Uhl’s governance work spans the boards of RMI and Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy, alongside previously sitting on the boards of Goldman Sachs and GE.
Christopher Levesque
President & Chief Executive Officer, TerraPower LLC
Chris Levesque is President and CEO of TerraPower, overseeing the Natrium advanced reactor demonstration and the company’s medical-isotope venture.
An MIT-trained mechanical engineer with more than 30 years in nuclear energy, he earlier led new-build reactor projects at Westinghouse and AREVA and began his career as a U.S. Navy submarine officer. Levesque serves on the Board of the Nuclear Energy Institute.
Patrick Taylor
Former Director of Commercial Structuring, Nuclear, and Carbon-Free Energy,
Microsoft
Patrick Taylor is the former director of commercial structuring, nuclear, and carbon-free energy at Microsoft. At Microsoft he led the development of strategies and partnerships to advance the company’s clean energy goals, including the integration of nuclear technologies. He has in depth knowledge of energy markets globally, including electricity market design, regulated tariff structures, and directing operation experience with renewable technologies.
Grace Giorgio
Environment, Health and Safety Manager,
Zap Energy
Grace Giorgio is the Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) Manager at Zap Energy, a Seattle-based company pioneering fusion energy technologies. She has a strong background in regulatory compliance, program management, and emergency response--skills paramount to ensuring the rollout and production scaling of safe nuclear energy technologies.
Andy Freeberg
Head of Communications, Zap Energy
Andy Freeberg is the Head of Communications at Zap Energy, where he helps shape public understanding of fusion energy and its role in a clean energy future. With a background in science communication from institutions like NASA, SLAC National Accelerator Lab, and the University of Washington’s Marine Energy Center, he brings deep expertise in translating complex technologies for broad audiences. Andy also serves on the board of the Association of Science Communicators.
