“Stay curious,” said Sabrina Ireland. “There are so many things to learn about in this world.” That mentality is crucial to Ireland’s career, “bridging old technologies with new technologies” at the Palo Verde Generating Station in Arizona, one of the largest nuclear plants in the nation. As the plant nears the end of its fourth decade, Ireland says it faces supply chain challenges that require innovative solutions.
“To remain operational far into the future, it is becoming increasingly vital for alternative parts to be evaluated and for reverse engineering principles to be honed,” she said.
Ireland says the College of Engineering is where her interests in nuclear power and a sense of community began. Her experiences there shaped her career and provided her the ability to translate engineering principles to everyday life.
“Oregon State allowed me the space to really discover myself,” Ireland said. “It also gave me the opportunity to meet others who shared those same passions and interests.”
Ireland says her proudest moments as a leader are those where she’s had a real, tangible impact on others she works with.
“Human connections are why I do what I do and why I enjoy my work every day,” she said.
Degrees
- H.B.S., NUCLEAR ENGINEERING, 2012