 Denis
E. Beller, Ph.D.
Research Professor
University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Idaho State University
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 Ph.D.,
1986 Purdue University
M.S.N.E.
(nuclear weapons effects), 1981 U.S. Air Force Institute of
Technology
B.S.Ch.E.,
1976 University of Colorado |
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Direct and conduct
local, national, and international research projects to develop
technology to recycle and reuse used nuclear fuel and to reduce
the radiotoxicity and volume of its waste as well as its
attractiveness for proliferators or terrorists. |
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Nuclear engineers have demonstrated that they can work in a wide
variety of fields, or easily convert to other fields if the need
arises. |
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Be involved in something, and take a leadership role, even if it's just
the cookies and milk committee for your student section. In
addition, don't take your professor's word for anything; always
try to see things from the other side. |
Q:
When did you know you wanted to become a Nuclear Engineer?
Beller:
The U.S. Air Force offered me the opportunity to
earn a fully sponsored Masters degree rather than leave the service. I
learned about nuclear energy and other technologies while learning about
nuclear weapons effects.
Q:
What was your college experience like?
Beller:
Very focused and disciplined, married with two
children, USAF sponsored (all 3 degrees).
Q:
Did you co-op while you were an undergrad?
Beller:
No, I went to school full-time twelve months a
year.
Q:
How did you get your first job?
Beller:
I was drafted during the Vietnam War, and joined
the USAF in 1971 because it appeared to offer the best chance of all the
armed services to continue my education. I made a wise decision.
Q:
What's the most rewarding thing about being a Nuclear Engineer?
Beller:
Knowing that I am educating students and
conducting research to provide clean, affordable, reliable,
environmental, safe and secure, and sustainable energy for six to nine
billion people.
Q:
Do you spend a fair amount of time traveling?
Beller:
Yes. I work about half time for ISU's Idaho
Accelerator Center, where I direct an international project with
accelerator-driven experiments at ISU, Univ. of Texas at Austing, and
Texas A&M University (next year).
Q:
Do you have a mentor? Or did you in your college years?
Beller:
Not officially, just several respected professors
and a couple of professionals.
Q:
Do you find yourself working more in a team situation, or more alone?
Beller:
Team, either with other faculty members or
students.
Q:
Do you find you are able to balance work with social/family life while
working in your current job?
Beller:
Yes, although it is a challenge.
Q:
If you had to do it all over again, would you still become a Nuclear
Engineer?
Beller:
Definitely, but I would have done it earlier.
Q:
Did you think that school prepared you for the way the work gets done in
the real world?
Beller:
No, but that's not what school is supposed to do.
It is supposed to give you the tools you need so that you can do work in
the real world.
Q:
Where do you see jobs for Nuclear Engineers in the future?
What should students be doing to prepare themselves to take on those
roles?
Beller:
Nuclear engineers have demonstrated that they can
work in a wide variety of fields, or easily convert to other fields if
the need arises. Concentrate on your studies, do a thesis or research
project, get involved in professional and community activities, and
build up a network of professional contacts.
Q:
What other advice do you have for students?
Beller:
Be involved in something, and take a leadership
role, even if it's just the cookies and milk committee for your student
section. In addition, don't take your professor's word for anything;
always try to see things from the other side. You will be challenged,
and you can face that challenge much better if you've thought of all
sides of an issue.
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