Alcorn alumnus Corey Cooper enjoys his role in the nuclear energy

Corey Cooper, a former Alcorn State University Student Government Association president, enjoys being an advocate for nuclear energy and its importance.

Cooper, who graduated in 2011, recently attended a joint Nuclear Energy Institute and North American Young Generation in Nuclear conference in Washington D.C. Cooper is a radiation protection technician/respiratory site administrator at the Waterford 3 Nuclear Power Facility in Killona, Louisiana. He also serves as the chairman of the Waterford 3 Site’s North American Young Generation in Nuclear Organization. In his capacities, Cooper is responsible for protecting employees, site equipment and local civilians from hazards associated with radiation and contamination at and near the nuclear site.

During the conference, Cooper shared his experience with nuclear energy and its benefits to the community.

“My team and I simply spearhead community outreach and professional development initiatives on site, while also representing our industry on a local and national level,” said Cooper. “Nuclear energy has tremendous benefits in terms of efficiency, cleaner energy, potential technological advances, and more. I believe that in order for any individual to make an educated decision or develop an understanding about nuclear energy, they must be educated on what a nuclear facility really is, the hazards, the pros and cons and the state of the industry as a whole.”

Being in the nuclear industry can be unpredictable, which is why Cooper enjoys his career.

“I like that my job is indeed special and unique. Every day, we take on different daily tasks in an effort to protect the community from potential hazards.”

Cooper tries to dispel any negative misconceptions that some may have about nuclear energy.

“The nuclear industry is regulated extremely well and our regulations enable us to have safer radiological practices and a safety conscious environment. We have over 90 commercially operated nuclear facilities within our nation that are well regulated and safe.”

Cooper, who got his start in the nuclear field when he interned at the Grand Gulf Nuclear Power Station before he officially started his career, gave sound advice to students pursuing a career in nuclear energy.

“I would encourage students who plan to seek employment in the nuclear field to be faithful in your spirituality and work hard."

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