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Working in H3AT

Learn about who we are and what makes us special

H3AT is the focal point for providing access to technical expertise, skills, training, infrastructure and equipment to solve tritium challenges within and beyond fusion.

Meet the women and men doing extraordinary things in H3AT today to make fusion a reality tomorrow. They are graduates, scientists and engineers who are passionate about what they do and why they do it.

Tamsin Jackson
Senior Process Engineer

I am the technical lead on a project to design and build a new tritium pilot plant at UKAEA. This is to develop and trial new tritium technologies and processes for the next generation of tritium-fuelled fusion reactors.

I joined UKAEA 6 years ago having previously worked in the food industry. At UKAEA I have become a specialist in operating, developing and designing fusion fuel cycle equipment and technologies. 

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is being able to sponsor and mentor other women, creating a pipeline for women leaders in fusion.

Ally King
Tritium Scientist

A recent graduate with a 1st class degree in Chemistry. I support research around processing waste gases from fusion reactors and irradiated materials to retrieve tritium gases for reuse. This work helps to make fusion research as sustainable as possible. ​​

I have been lucky to enter the fusion sector in an area where there is a diverse group of successful female scientists who inspire me and show me the wealth of opportunities available to me in the sector.

Naomi Scott-Mearns
Waste Innovation and Science Manager

“Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow“ – I’ve watched the sustainability sector grow hugely and it is incredibly rewarding to continue working in the sector with a range of inspiring women.

I joined UKAEA in 2020 after working in sustainability for different organisations. I studied Geography at University of Oxford and have a Master’s in sustainability from Edinburgh University. As STEP Waste Innovation & Science Manager I undertake research to understand and test how the STEP Programme can operate in a sustainable way and minimise the generation of waste and reduce its waste legacy.

Rhiann Canavan
Research and Development Engineer

A nuclear physicist, with an MSc in Physics and a PhD in Experimental Nuclear Physics, I joined H3AT in 2021. I work on operations for the Active Gas Handling System (AGHS). I help to supply the deuterium and tritium fuel which JET uses to create fusion events during its pulses. I also recover and process the exhaust gases from the torus to complete the fusion fuel cycle and enable re-supply of the tritium unused during pulses. 

I believe that the climate crisis is the most important challenge which humanity faces right now. I love working on fusion technology as I know that I am working towards the solution, and doing it with a lovely team of passionate people.

Eseosa Ekanem
Research and Development Engineer

A Chemical and Process Engineering PhD graduate from Imperial College London with 5 years of research experience. My work focuses on finding technical solutions with engineering integrity for fusion operations. A specific example is the design and operation of a tritium compatible fuel cycle system that enables the extraction and recovery of tritium in the sub systems within safety limits. 

Today’s fusion environment is agile with dynamic engineering challenges. The diverse network of mentors, scientist and engineering professionals at UKAEA fosters my ability to transform challenges to opportunities that enhance the development of my career.

Mirjana Damjanovic
Radioactive Waste Researcher

I hold double masters degree in Nuclear Decommissioning and Waste Management from Paris-Saclay University in Paris, France and a Biomedical and Environmental Engineering masters degree from University of Belgrade, Serbia. 

To realise fusion we need to learn how to safely and efficiently build, operate and decommission fusion reactors. My research work addresses questions related to safe decommissioning of fusion reactors. For me, being a woman in a fusion sector is a testament to the fusion sector being a diverse and gender-equal environment. However, there is still a long way to go.

Natasha Gotts
Tritium Analysis Lab Managerr

My academic background is in science and I have worked in H3AT for over 8 years. My day-to-day work involves researching ways to effectively characterise different types of waste for tritium content. I prove detritiation techniques for fusion waste recycling that will enable the sustainable delivery of fusion.

It is very exciting to be a woman in fusion sector particularly as there have been so many recent advancements made which I am proud to be part of.  As a single parent, it is fantastic to have equal opportunities that allows me to contribute to the realisation of fusion for electricity generation.

Vanessa McKay
Waste Characterisation Specialist

I graduated with a Masters and BSc in Chemistry and have over 8 years of work experience in nuclear decommissioning. I provide advice and support to our facilities including JET and MRF (the Materials Research Facility) to understand the content of waste through investigation and analysis.

My work is key to fusion operations and research at UKAEA: it involves ensuring safe and compliant disposal of fusion waste. As a woman in the fusion sector, I work with cross-domains to develop innovative methods for management of fusion waste to minimise future waste liabilities. 

Contact details

To find out more about H3AT and enquire about using the facility, please contact info@h3at.ukaea.uk.

Further information

Hydrogen-3 Advanced Technology brochure

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