Emma Houston arrived at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT) eight years ago with a clear vision of her future. Having grown up in the Washington D.C. area, Houston wanted to explore a career involving science and government policy. She knew UT’s Department of Nuclear Engineering was the premier training ground to accomplish her educational goals and grow as a person.
“I really care about global security, and nuclear engineering is one of those fields where you can be a technical expert,” Houston said. “It felt like a very direct way to contribute positively, and a very obvious way to work in the global security field and made an impact.”
Houston will be celebrating her final degree accomplishment at UT this week as she takes part in the doctoral hooding ceremony for completing her PhD in nuclear engineering. Houston secured her bachelor’s degree in 2022 and her master’s degree in 2023. She graduated with a 3.99 GPA for her bachelor’s and a 4.0 GPA for her master’s and PhD.
“Emma is ambitious, highly motivated, and extremely smart. But on top of that, which I find even more important, is that she’s incredibly humble,” said Houston’s advisor, NE Assistant Professor Sandra Bogetic. “She’s so eager to learn and she always wants to be put in a position to absorb as much as possible.”
Houston’s studies nonproliferation, which is the prevention of the spread of nuclear weapons. She researches ways to make sure novel and new types of reactors are well safeguarded and able to be safeguarded by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
She’s been a part of the Nuclear Nonproliferation and International Safeguards Fellowship, which has supported her PhD work over the last three years. Once she graduates, Houston will be returning to DC to work as a Fellow in the Office of International Nuclear Safeguards. The agency develops technology and policy to verify peaceful nuclear use, preventing weapons proliferation.
“I am hoping to use that program to land a permanent position in the field. That’s my dream,” Houston said. “That’s what I got into nuclear for and what I have been studying for the last eight years. I am very excited to start that job.”
Nuclear National Advocate
Houston’s passion and professionalism have made her a source of inspiration within NE’s student body. She has been active in several committees, was a co-instructor for classes, and mentored undergraduate students. Her personal journey often informs her advice, highlighting all the opportunities UT offers.
“UT’s classes are highly applicable to the field. As an undergrad, I received a co-op opportunity at Southern Nuclear Company, so I was able to do rotations at a nuclear facility to understand what it means to work there,” said Houston, who also interned at Lawrence Livermore and Oak Ridge national laboratories. “Then, during my PhD when I’m studying ways to do it for new types of reactors, I’m able to think back to that experience and have some practical knowledge of how things work.”
Houston served as the chair of the Nuclear Engineering Student Delegation and traveled to the nation’s capital to advocate for nuclear policies. She helped write policy statements and met with figures from the Department of Energy, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, and congressional representatives.
“I was able to do that for three years and it feels like you are making a huge impact,” Houston said. “Some of our talking points were mentioned by people in Congress, which is super cool. It’s nice to know they consider us a resource and more of an unbiased source since we are not funded or asking for money. We are there just because we care.”
Rugby Captain and World Ruler
Along with her governmental advocacy in DC, Houston has given multiple conference presentations and invited talks at other departments and universities. She has been the lead author on four papers and is a member of the American Nuclear Society Nuclear Nonproliferation and Policy Division Executive Committee and Public Policy Committee.
“If somebody asks me, she can become a director of any major organization. I would put her in any high position because she has all the qualities needed to be a successful leader,” Bogetic said. “She’s a visionary. She can see the bigger picture and find solutions. That’s unique.”
Houston’s community ties to Knoxville blossomed beyond the UT campus. She is the captain of the Knoxville, Minx, a local women’s rugby team that competes in the USA Club Rugby Women’s D2 Division.
“That’s a blast. I have such a great time,” said Houston, who recently married a fellow UT graduate she met in school. “I grew up playing rugby and it’s a very tight-knit community. It’s been great to have a team here I can experience that with and stay active.”
Bogetic is proud of everything Houston has accomplished at UT, and how selflessly she’s pursued her goals. She will leave an enduring legacy and be a role model for other students to follow.
“I am going to miss her. Hopefully, there will be opportunities for us to work together in the future,” Bogetic said. “I would want her as my boss. If she can rule the world, I would be fine. She’s a great scientist and a great person.”
Contact
Rhiannon Potkey ([email protected])