Alum Katie Mummah selected for Nuclear News’ 40 Under 40 list

Katie Mummah, alumnus of the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, has been named to the ANS Nuclear News 40 Under 40 list for 2025. 

The list honors “a new cohort of leaders whose innovation and drive are positively transforming the industry.” These young professionals—of which Mummah is one of the youngest—are driving the industry forward with renewed vision.

For her part, Mummah is not only advancing the field through her technical expertise, she is strengthening the nuclear community through her commitment to nuclear advocacy and science communication. 

Mummah graduated with her PhD in Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics from UW–Madison in May 2025 and also completed graduate certificates in Science Communication and Energy Analysis and Policy. She has since joined Los Alamos National Laboratory where she works as an R&D engineer specializing in fuel cycle modeling and safeguards.

Mummah has long been committed to educating the public and advocating for nuclear energy through her various social media platforms. Her content also aims to encourage and equip other nuclear engineers to become better science communicators. 

In 2025, Mummah was awarded the Wisconsin Initiative for Science Literacy Award for Communicating PhD Research to the Public for the general audience chapter of her dissertation titled, “Uranium’s life story and a global high and seek game,” in which she breaks down the landscape of international nuclear safeguards. 

With talented and dedicated professionals like Mummah leading the way, the path to a sustainable, clean energy future is clearer than ever.