NAYGN logo NAYGN at UF Univ. of Florida Chapter
Who we are

About NAYGN at UF

The mission of the North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NAYGN) is to develop leadership and professional skills among young nuclear enthusiasts, engage the public, and inspire future professionals in the nuclear industry.

Mission

What we're built on

NAYGN's mission rests on four pillars — our chapter brings each one to life for students at UF.

01 / Professional Dev.

Professional Development

Build skills, confidence, and career readiness through resume workshops, mock interviews, plant tours, and direct access to engineers and recruiters in the nuclear industry.

02 / Networking

Networking & Mentorship

Build meaningful professional relationships, connect students with industry professionals, and foster a supportive community that helps members grow personally and professionally.

03 / Public Info

Public Information

Inform and engage the public, policymakers, and communities about nuclear science and technology. Outreach that makes nuclear science approachable — from STEM fairs to classroom demos around Gainesville.

04 / Knowledge Transfer

Knowledge Transfer

Facilitate the exchange of experience, expertise, and institutional knowledge between UF students, alumni, and nuclear professionals.

What sets us apart

How this club is different

01

Real work, not meetings

No sign-up meetings to sit through — fill out our interest form, pick a committee, and do real work alongside other members from day one.

02

Major diversity by design

A deliberate focus on welcoming students from all majors — not just nuclear engineering.

03

You help run it

Members help plan and run our initiatives, not just attend them. Your input shapes what we do.

04

Connected to a bigger network

We work alongside ANS and Women in Nuclear, and plug you directly into NAYGN International.

Our Story

How the chapter got here

Founded by a small group of Engineering students who wanted more hands-on exposure to the industry than coursework alone could offer, the UF chapter has grown into one of NAYGN's active student chapters — connecting members with plant tours, guest speakers, and outreach across North Central Florida.

2026

Inspiration

"I found NAYGN through a post about nuclear energy fighting climate change, and it's the reason I decided to pursue this field. Through my involvement, I’ve gained leadership experience, earned a conference scholarship, and even got invited to tour a plant in Maryland at no cost. I started this chapter to show students and policymakers that nuclear energy is essential to meeting growing energy demands while eliminating carbon emissions, and to make it easy for students to get involved in nuclear outreach." — Isabella De Paola, UF NAYGN President

2026

Chapter chartered

A handful of Engineering students officially register the UF chapter with continental NAYGN.

2026

Today

A growing roster of students across engineering majors, regular speaker events, and this website.

Nuclear 101

How a nuclear plant makes power

No engineering background needed. Switch between reactor types, then hover or tap any part of the diagram to see what it does.

PRESSURIZED WATER REACTOR (PWR) CONTAINMENT STRUCTURE CONTROL RODS REACTOR PRESSURE VESSEL PRESSURE TANK STEAM GENERATOR STEAM LINE TURBINE ELECTRIC GENERATOR CONDENSER FEED PUMP COOLING TOWER
Select a component Hover or tap any highlighted part of the diagram to learn how it fits into the power generation process.
  • Containment Structure
  • Reactor Pressure Vessel
  • Pressure Tank
  • Steam Generator
  • Turbine
  • Electric Generator
  • Condenser
  • Cooling Tower
National Network

Part of something bigger

UF is one of 100+ NAYGN chapters spanning universities, utilities, national labs, and vendors across North America. Explore the map to see where else the network reaches.