Megan Culbertson: Breaking Into Nuclear Operations

Tom & Tony Scott — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 08:54:06 -0800

From Ohio State to INPO to the control room - Megan Culbertson took an unlikely path to become one of the first female Senior Reactor Operators at Arkansas Nuclear One Unit 2. In this extended episode of TNT Podcast, hosts Cortez "Tony" Scott and Tom Scott are joined by Megan and guest Contrell Scott for a wide-ranging conversation about careers, challenges, and diversity in the nuclear industry. Megan's story is one of believing in yourself when others doubt you. As a "non-traditional candidate" who started in training accreditation at INPO, she never imagined becoming a licensed operator. But through mentorship from leaders who saw her potential, she conquered the demanding licensing program and now serves as a Control Room Supervisor. The conversation also explores important industry topics including nepotism, career pathways, and what the nuclear industry can do to attract diverse talent. With candid discussions from multiple perspectives, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone in or considering the nuclear field. What You'll Learn: • How non-traditional candidates can succeed in nuclear operations • The critical role mentorship plays in career advancement • Challenges faced by women and minorities in technical fields • The reality of nuclear plant operations and responsibility • How to handle professional dynamics and workplace politics • Strategies for leaving positive impressions throughout your career About the Guest: Megan Culbertson is one of the first female Senior Reactor Operators at Arkansas Nuclear One Unit 2. She holds degrees from Ohio State University and University of Florida. Her nuclear career began at INPO working in training accreditation, then communications, before transitioning to operations at Arkansas Nuclear One.

Jada Faust: From Engineering to Nuclear Reactor Operator

Tom & Tony Scott — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 08:54:00 -0800

From veterinary school dreams to nuclear reactor operations - Jada Faust took an unconventional path to become one of the first African American female Senior Reactor Operators at Arkansas Nuclear One. In this episode of TNT Podcast, host Cortez "Tony" Scott sits down with Jada to discuss her remarkable three-year journey through nuclear operator licensing. Starting as a mechanical systems engineer at Riverbend Nuclear Station, she made the bold decision to pursue operations when her supervisor left for licensing class. Jada shares candidly about the challenges of being one of only two women in her licensing class, the intense study regimen that had her waking at 4am daily, and how faith sustained her through moments when she wanted to give up. Her story offers both inspiration and practical insights for anyone considering a career in nuclear operations. What You'll Learn: • The pathway from engineering to Senior Reactor Operator • What nuclear operator licensing actually involves (3 years of training) • Challenges faced by women and minorities in the nuclear industry • How to prepare mentally for rigorous NRC exams • The truth about nuclear power vs. media portrayals • Why ALARA principles matter in daily operations About the Guest: Jada Faust is a Senior Reactor Operator at Arkansas Nuclear One. She graduated from Southern University A&M (an HBCU) and began her nuclear career at Riverbend Nuclear Station in Louisiana. She is one of the first African American female SROs at Arkansas Nuclear One and currently works in work management while maintaining her operator qualifications.

The TNT Podcast

Megan Culbertson: Breaking Into Nuclear Operations

Jada Faust: From Engineering to Nuclear Reactor Operator