Shalini Pathak is a Radiation Safety Officer at Nuvia India and a WINS Certified Nuclear Security specialised Professional. She tells us about her experiences in the programme and the importance of promoting best practices and knowledge sharing in the radioactive source security field.
What was your elective? Why did you choose it?
My elective was Radioactive Source Security Management. I am currently working as a Radiation Safety Officer at Nuvia India and have more than seven years of experience in the radiation field and in the nuclear industry. During my journey, I observed that while nuclear materials are limited to fuel enrichment centres, R&D centres, and nuclear power plants, radioactive material can be available in small radiation facilities, like those for calibration, where we don’t have very highly qualified people. Major sources are spread all over the world in such facilities, where I believe more attention needs to be paid to security. I chose this elective to upgrade my knowledge about radioactive source security.
What are the benefits of the WINS Academy and becoming certified?
After getting a scholarship for CRSP certification and completing it successfully, my profile started getting noticed on social media accounts like LinkedIn. Not only this, professionals from different corners of the world made connections with me. I also got access to the WINS Alumni Network, which again helped me make new contacts in the nuclear field.
“After getting a scholarship for CRSP certification and completing it successfully, my profile started getting noticed on social media accounts like LinkedIn.”
What inspired you to become a WINS Academy Ambassador?
Ever since I chose the nuclear industry to make my career, I have found that there is a lack of awareness about the importance and benefits of nuclear energy over other renewable sources and non-renewable sources of energy. Moreover, transition is only possible if professionals in the field take time out of their busy schedule to promote nuclear energy not only to common people but also to nuclear professionals so that we can set an ideal example that nuclear energy is not at all dangerous if handled carefully. The vision and mission of WINS completely aligned with my thoughts, and this inspired me to become a WINS Ambassador.
What role does information sharing play in implementing and promoting best practices for radioactive source security?
I believe every radiation facility is unique due to the nature of its work, the type of radioactive sources it uses and their physical state, the activity and quantity of those sources, the management structure, and its infrastructure. I think radiation risks are possible in new facilities or with new players in the field of radiation because of the lack of proper information regarding safety and security. Information sharing and promoting best practices help radiation facilities find gaps in their own systems and mitigate or improve them. Knowledge sharing with respect to safety and security is a must for each and every organisation and professional.
“Information sharing and promoting best practices help radiation facilities find gaps in their own systems and mitigate or improve them.”
How does gender balance help to support radioactive source security?
Giving women responsibilities and positions equivalent to those of men in the nuclear field helps to build the confidence level in them and attracts more females to join the nuclear industry. I completely believe that gender balance is a must.
Questions for the sponsoring organisation
How has your organisation benefitted from Shalini achieving Certified Radioactive Source Security Professional status?
We are really proud of her for being part of our organisation and being selected as WINS’ Ambassador to India. Her certification has not only added weightage to her CV, but we have also gained a Radioactive Source Security Professional. This helps us to build more trust in the eyes of clients with respect to continuously maintaining the competency of our staff and their belief in our quality of work.
What role does WINS certification play in your institution’s professional development programme?
More radiation professionals at our organisation are interested in upgrading their knowledge through WINS’ Certification programmes.
