Unqualified Opinions

04/16/2026

Over the last two weeks I was in classrooms. A lot of them. Middle school. High school. University. And in every single room, the same moment happened: students discovered that their degree, their curiosity, their background had a place in . And every single one of them was surprised.

That surprise is the industry's problem to solve. Not theirs.

Meanwhile, Japan just wrote a $40 billion check to build SMRs on American soil. The capital is moving. The technology is ready.

The infrastructure is the only piece you can't buy at the last minute.

My thoughts in the write-up below. What are your thoughts?

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/40-billion-question-nobody-asking-nicole-hughes-ncgbe?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android&utm_campaign=share_via

04/14/2026

This week was all about students and the next generation… and honestly, though I was the old lady in the room, the future looks pretty bright.

I'm really proud of our U. S. Women in Nuclear
student members who hosted a webinar featuring Ryan Pickering, Robert Bruce Hayes, MJ Ross-Lee, and Rebecca Salvadore sharing their zigzag career stories. A great reminder that more often than not, we don't take a straight path into nuclear.

Different backgrounds, different starting points, same mission: build something meaningful that lasts.

I also had the opportunity to do a campus visit and speak with STEM students at the University of West Florida about , , , and what it really means to build the future.

Spoiler alert: the workforce of the future is already here. We just need to make the options easier to see (and maybe do a slightly better job explaining that nuclear does not, in fact, just “go boom” 😉).

This week alone, we explored career pathways with students from all kinds of disciplines:
• A Mechanical Engineer
• A Marine Biologist
• A Chemistry student
• A Finance major
• A Cybersecurity student
• A Nursing student

Every single one of them was surprised to learn there is a place for their skills in nuclear.

Building the future takes more than engineers alone. It takes communicators, analysts, scientists, technologists, operators, project managers, field engineers and operators, problem-solvers… and curiosity alongside the willingness to ask great questions.

The talent is there.
The curiosity is there.
The next generation is paying attention.
We just need to keep showing up (and maybe keep busting a few movie myths along the way).

04/14/2026

After a week of campus visits, talks, and socializing....

a mental wellness day in the woods is JUST what's needed

04/10/2026

PD Webinar – Mastering Change – April 21, 2026 April 21, 2026 – 1 pm EST Register today! Professional Development Webinar   Mastering Change: Human Stories, Smart Strategies   April 21, 2026 @ 1 pm EST     Change isn’t just about process and plans– it’s also about people. In this int...

04/08/2026

Today I get to speak to STEM Students at University of West Florida about and building the future.

The of the future is RIGHT HERE! We just need to provide them with options and opportunities.

U. S. Women in Nuclear Nuclear Matters Americans for Nuclear Energy American Nuclear Society

04/02/2026

Our U. S. Women in Nuclear Spring session of webinars kicks off NEXT WEEK with a student-led webinar on

How to Build Your Future in Nuclear Energy

This is a perfect opportunity to share about opportunities to get into the industry after school, how to enter from other industries and how different career paths can shape up to build the workforce of the future to support the growth of the industry and our nation as a whole

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_geujsnCiS3GAFzzUjmfKPQ #/registration

03/30/2026

Friday, we invested in our local community and the of the future

Rural county. Local school. Big curiosity.

Sure, there was the occasional “nuclear goes boom” comment, but what followed were thoughtful, engaged conversations about careers, education pathways, and opportunity.

Highlights from the day:
• A Senior planning to join the Navy asked about transitioning from military nuclear into commercial nuclear
• A Freshman interested in oncology explored nuclear applications in healthcare
• A future Business Management major asked where business roles fit into nuclear organizations
• Middle School students wanted to understand which soft skills matter most
• Even the local fire department stopped in with great questions

Many were surprised to learn that the closest nuclear plant is only about two hours away.

And one of the most memorable questions of the day: “When will we build nuclear here? We have room.”

Interest is there. Curiosity is there. The next generation is paying attention. We just need to keep showing up.

Santa Rosa County District Schools, Florida Santa Rosa County Career Pathways 4-H U. S. Women in Nuclear Nuclear Matters Americans for Nuclear Energy Mothers for Nuclear Generation Atomic

03/14/2026

Inspired by .stanke

A Day In The Life.... conference edition



U. S. Women in Nuclear Nuclear Energy Institute Nuclear Matters Americans for Nuclear Energy Mothers for Nuclear American Nuclear Society U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission - NRC Generation Atomic

03/12/2026

03/12/2026

After a busy week of regulatory frameworks, policy discussions, and enough acronyms to last the rest of the year, I’m heading home feeling incredibly encouraged after the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission - NRC

Apologies Washington, I'm taking my Florida weather with me.

What stood out most wasn’t just the conversations on stage, but the ones happening in the hallways. Utilities, EPCs, supply chain partners, and regulators standing shoulder to shoulder on the way forward.

I've had numerous tough but honest and friendly conversations about how we actually move the industry forward, and really appreciated the stories and challenges shared.

Seeing old friends, meeting new ones, and being reminded that the support system in this industry is truly unmatched.

I’m not usually one for tears… but a few of you had me pretty close this week with your kind words.

Grateful for the conversations, the collaboration, and the friendships that keep pushing this industry forward.

03/12/2026