By Eden Harris
Aug. 4, 2025
When Peter Cannon started his first day at the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) this summer, he didn’t expect his internship experience to affirm the path he’d been passionate about since middle school. But that’s exactly what the Nuclear Science Career Academy (NSCA) program has done.
Cannon, a nuclear engineering student from the University of Illinois, Carbondale, is part of the first-ever NSCA intern cohort — a group of 16 students selected from across the country to participate in an intensive, eight-week internship program designed to offer hands-on experience, mentorship and professional development in the nuclear science field.
As a radiation modeling intern, Cannon focuses on isotope production and decay calculations, optimizing irradiations and shadowing the control room in an experience he describes as “unforgettable.”
“Being here at MURR has led me into learning about isotope production and cancer medication,” Cannon said. “I’m learning something new every day. I love the challenge.”
His work this summer isn’t just academic — it is personal. The exposure to MURR’s production of life-saving isotopes for cancer treatment has furthered Cannon’s motivation to work in a field that, in his words, “has a real, meaningful impact.”
A Program with Purpose
The NSCA program is a key part of MURR’s strategic plan to address the growing national demand for nuclear science professionals. The program was initially introduced by Amber Gaddy, senior director of Regulatory Affairs, who envisioned an internship experience centered around critical thinking and real-world exposure to nuclear environments.
Gayla Neumeyer, a research and education specialist, led the effort to bring the vision and program to life — coordinating logistics, lodging, pay and experiential activities.
MURR executive director Matt Sanford believes NSCA is the beginning of something much bigger.
“I hope this first cohort leads to some of these interns joining us full-time,” Sanford said. “But more than that, I hope it helps demonstrate the value of the program so we can secure support to expand it. Our vision is for MURR to become a national hub for nuclear workforce training — whether it’s through internships, certification programs or future partnerships with other institutions.”
For Sanford, who began his own MURR journey as a student, the program is personal.
“As I moved through different roles here, I started to really recognize the value of having smart, dedicated people in key positions. That’s what this program is about — getting to know the people who may one day become those leaders.”
John Brockman, associate director of Research and Education, sees the NSCA program as a turning point in how MURR brings new talent into the fold.
“In the past, internship programs at MURR were more fragmented — different divisions doing different things,” Brockman said. “NSCA represents a more unified and intentional approach. It’s about giving interns a full experience of what it’s like to work in a nuclear environment — something they’ll carry with them no matter where they go.”
Interns from All Walks of STEM
The NSCA’s impact is visible across the organization. Nora Humfeld, a computer science and math major from Columbia, Missouri, came into the internship with no nuclear experience. But her time in MURR’s Information Technology department changed her perspective.
“This is a really unique environment,” Humfeld said. “I’ve learned how IT supports a facility where security and precision is incredibly important. I didn’t think my skillset applied to nuclear science, but now I can see how valuable computer science is to every part of this industry.”
Electrical engineering intern Coby Chapman echoed that sentiment.
“Working with the engineers at MURR has taught me way more than I expected – especially the kind of hands-on experience that college doesn’t always prepare you for,” Chapman said.
Chapman is currently working on a motor upgrade project for a neutron reflectometer, applying lessons from circuit design and equipment schematics in a live reactor setting.
Other interns are using advanced software to estimate radiation dose rates, developing neutron beamline upgrades and exploring regulatory compliance protocols. Across departments, NSCA interns are embedded in real, high-stakes projects that matter.
Brockman emphasized that these kinds of immersive experiences are what make NSCA different.
“You don’t just assign students busy work — they’re embedded in meaningful projects with real impact,” he said. “It’s a privilege to work in a place where we can help shape the next generation of nuclear professionals.”
Building On a Culture of Excellence
Sanford is clear: nuclear science is not easy.
“There’s a reason I say ‘nuclear is hard,’” he explained. “The science is complex, the regulations are strict, and the stakes are high. Add in the research environment where people are applying for grants and pushing innovation, and it becomes one of the most demanding — and rewarding — fields out there.”
His advice to interns? Embrace the challenge.
“Approach every day knowing that challenges will come — and tackle them with a sense of fun,” Sanford said. “The mindset you bring into this work matters as much as your technical skills. Accountability, communication, respect — those are non-negotiables on a nuclear team.”
Investing in What’s Next
The NSCA program is already being seen as a cornerstone of MURR’s future workforce strategy, especially with the NextGen MURR initiative on the horizon. Sanford believes this first cohort will be remembered as pioneers — both for what they contributed and for the foundation they’re helping to build.
“NextGen MURR isn’t just a new reactor — it’s a leap forward in what we’re capable of doing in radiopharmaceuticals, isotope production and advanced research,” he said. “Programs like NSCA ensure that we’ll have people ready for that future, with the training and mindset to thrive in it.”
Brockman shares that vision and sees NSCA as more than just a summer opportunity.
“This is an incredible place to launch a career,” Brockman said. “It’s not just what the interns learn, but how they grow. The connections they make here – those stay with them.”
Peter Cannon, for one, is already thinking long-term.
“Before this internship, I was just excited about nuclear. Now, I know this is where I belong.”
About the NSCA Program
The Nuclear Science Career Academy is an 8-week internship experience with the University of Missouri Research Reactor. It provides students with hands-on exposure to areas like reactor operations, radiation safety, isotope production, engineering and IT. Interns receive radiation worker training, shadow professional staff and participate in career development experiences including site tours of nuclear power plants and medical facilities.