BWXT’s Erik Nygaard recognized as leader in nuclear industry
The nuclear community is recognizing its shining stars, and among them is one of our very own from BWXT. Advanced Technologies’ Product Development Director Erik Nygaard has been named to the first 40 Under 40 list by the American Nuclear Society.
“The American Nuclear Society is excited to announce this new initiative in Nuclear News to celebrate the young professionals who are helping shape the nuclear enterprise,” ANS Executive Director/CEO Craig Piercy said. “This list will recognize the up-and-coming talent who are not only contributors to the present but architects of the future, shaping the trajectory of nuclear science.”
Erik began his career with BWXT in 2010 as a nuclear analyst and chief reactor engineer. Since then, he’s led multiple projects for the company, including its venture into small modular reactors (SMRs), nuclear applications in space and isotope research and development strategy for nuclear medicine. His efforts, including leading all research and engineering activities related to the company’s advanced technology portfolio helped establish what is now BWXT Medical and Advanced Technologies.
“This award means a lot to me for two reasons. Firstly, throughout my career, the company has always trusted me to take on leadership and growth opportunities; this award reflects the faith the company has put in me over the years,” Erik said. “Secondly, during my entire tenure at BWXT, I’ve always been surrounded by phenomenally talented people. Almost all of my individual success is attributable to the hardworking, thoughtful, experienced and clever people that populate BWXT, and this award really shows how fortunate I’ve been regarding the teams and people I’ve gotten to work with.”
Today, Erik leads research and engineering for Advanced Technologies and is the project manager for BWXT’s Advanced Nuclear Reactor program (BANR).
“The nuclear industry is experiencing explosive growth with the steady increase of positive public opinion and the expanding potential of SMRs and microreactors – and Erik has been an outspoken proponent both internally and externally across the nuclear community,” said Advanced Technologies President Joe Miller. “Erik’s leadership, technical expertise and business acumen are central to many achievements our organization and the nuclear industry at large have experienced over the past 14 years.”
