 Larry Foulke
Chief Scientist
Bechtel Bettis, Inc.
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 BS/Nuclear
Engineering, MS/Nuclear Engineering – Kansas State University
PhD/Nuclear
Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
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Design, develop,
deliver and reactor for space applications. |
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As opposed to the school environment, the real
world has much more emphasis on qualification and verification
of analytical tools used, and much more depth of design work.
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Just because you get a degree, doesn't mean you "have it made." Never
stop your professional development in your career. |
Q:
When did you know you wanted to become a Nuclear Engineer?
Foulke:
When I got a $200 scholarship to enter the Nuclear
Engineering program after high school.
Q:
What was your college experience like?
Foulke:
Rewarding, memorable, and educational.
Q:
Did you co-op while you were an undergrad?
Foulke:
Yes, with Dow Chemical Company in 1957 and with
Argonne National Laboratory in 1958.
Q:
How did you get your first job?
Foulke:
From an ROTC Commission (U.S. Army 1966-68) and
interviews with many companies (1967-1968).
Q:
What's the most rewarding thing about being a Nuclear Engineer?
Foulke:
To work with a remarkable technology that benefits
mankind in so many ways.
Q:
Do you spend a fair amount of time traveling?
Foulke:
Periodically, but not steady.
Q:
Do you have a mentor? Or did you in your college years?
Foulke:
My professors.
Q:
Do you find yourself working more in a team situation, or more alone?
Foulke:
Team situations.
Q:
Do you find you are able to balance work with social/family life while
working in your current job?
Foulke:
Yes.
Q:
If you had to do it all over again, would you still become a Nuclear
Engineer?
Foulke:
Yes.
Q:
Did you think that school prepared you for the way the work gets done in
the real world?
Foulke:
Yes and no. The real world has much more emphasis
on qualification and verification of analytical tools used, and much
more depth of design work.
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?
Foulke:
Design and development of reactors for
applications in space, electricity production, and hydrogen production.
Q:
What other advice do you have for students?
Foulke:
Just because you get a degree, doesn't mean you
"have it made." Never stop your professional development in your career.
Take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam now. You'll never be better
prepared for it and you can never tell about what the future holds with
respect to the need for professional registration.
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