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Cassidy Perry, a UNB PhD student, was selected for the international OECD Nuclear Energy Agency's Rising Stars Workshop, a program that supports rising female leaders in the nuclear sector.

One of 34 participants from around the world, Cassidy Perry, a PhD candidate at the University of New Brunswick, was selected to be part of the prestigious OECD Nuclear Energy Agency's Rising Stars Programme.

Perry was one of 12 Canadians to participate in the program.

Hosted this year by Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) in Chalk River, Ont., the workshop recognizes emerging women leaders in the nuclear sector, providing opportunities for professional development, networking, and mentorship.

Perry's doctoral research in chemical engineering focuses on corrosion in nuclear power plants that use CANDU reactors, a Canadian-designed technology used at Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station in New Brunswick.

"I was really excited and a little surprised when I found out I was accepted," said Perry.

Perry’s doctoral research is supervised by Dr. Olga Palazhchenko (PhD’17), a professor of chemical engineering and researcher with UNB’s Centre for Nuclear Energy Research (CNER).

Brad McPherson (BScCHE'05), CNER's director of innovation, submitted Perry’s application.

"Brad and Olga were both quick to congratulate me. Seeing how excited and supportive everyone at CNER was made the whole experience even more special."

While in Ottawa, Perry had the opportunity to present her research to nuclear experts, researchers, and industry leaders from around the world.

Perry’s research involves working alongside Palazhchenko and CNL on developing a model mapping how corrosive products travel through a reactor’s cooling system, where they accumulate, and how they contribute to radiation fields.

The model is known as TRaCCR, which stands for Transport of Radioactivity and Chemistry in CANDU Reactors.

A significant part of Perry's work has focused on adapting the model for use across multiple CANDU reactor facilities.

"Essentially, I'm modelling how corrosion products move throughout a CANDU reactor's cooling system, where they accumulate, and how they contribute to radiation fields over time," said Perry.

"Although CANDU reactors everywhere share the same fundamental design principles, there are important differences between individual stations in Canada and internationally. Developing a model that can account for those differences makes it more broadly applicable to the industry."

Perry's path to nuclear research was shaped by academic exploration and personal experience.

She arrived at UNB's Saint John campus in 2016 with plans to pursue a career in medicine or veterinary science. Initially enrolled in biology and psychology, she began exploring other options during her final year of undergraduate studies.

"Something wasn't clicking," said Perry. "I spent the last year of my undergrad trying different classes and ended up taking an introduction to chemical engineering."

A conversation with a family friend working in the nuclear industry encouraged her to give that course a try.

"I wanted to test it out to see how I felt about it, and I ended up loving it.

Perry’s interest in nuclear science was also influenced by her upbringing near the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station, where many family friends worked.

Later, when her father underwent radiation treatment following a cancer diagnosis, she gained a deeper appreciation for the impact nuclear science can have on people's lives.

"My dad has since made a full recovery and seeing the impact that nuclear science can have on people's lives, including my own family's, reinforced my passion for the field," she said.

Perry believes her research, teaching, and outreach experience helped strengthen her Rising Stars application.

Alongside her doctoral work, she serves as co-lead of UNB's chapter of the North American Young Generation in Nuclear, helping introduce younger students to nuclear energy and career opportunities in the sector. She has also co-instructed UNB's Introduction to Nuclear Engineering course.

One of the most exciting aspects of the Rising Stars program, Perry said, was the mentorship component.

“What stood out to me most was how welcoming everyone was,” said Perry. “I was surrounded by so many incredibly intelligent and accomplished women, but everyone was also so warm, kind, and genuinely excited to get to know one another.”

“It felt like we all became friends almost immediately, and I was so comfortable being there. I think the most meaningful part of the experience was realizing that I really belonged in that room.”

Perry credits the support she has received from both CNER and Palazhchenko for helping her reach this milestone.

"Working with Dr. Palazhchenko has given me the opportunity to take significant ownership of my research while still benefiting from the guidance and support of an experienced researcher," Perry said. "She's helped me develop confidence in my own technical judgment and become a more independent researcher."

As she prepares to complete her PhD next year, Perry hopes to continue a career in computational modelling while remaining involved in education and outreach.

"I'd like to find opportunities to encourage more young people, particularly girls and young women, to consider careers in STEM," she said. "Sometimes the opportunities you least expect can lead you to something you really love."

For Perry, being named a Rising Star is more than a personal achievement. It is an opportunity to showcase the strength of nuclear research at UNB, and the growing role New Brunswick researchers are playing in Canada's clean energy future.

“I think one of the things people don't always realize is how much nuclear research is happening right here in New Brunswick. Through UNB's CNER and collaborations with organizations like CNL, students can contribute to work that is addressing real challenges in the industry,” she said.

“Whether you're interested in policy, safety, medical applications, or engineering, there are opportunities to make a difference. I hope more students recognize that their interests and experiences can translate into a meaningful career in the nuclear field.”