Leslie Dewan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Leslie Dewan
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![]() Leslie Dewan in 2012
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Born | |
Nationality | American |
Alma mater | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Employer | Transatomic Power |
Awards |
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Leslie Dewan, born on November 27, 1984, is an amazing American nuclear engineer. She helps design and build things that use nuclear energy safely. Leslie co-founded a company called Transatomic Power. She was also a leader on the board of MIT. The World Economic Forum even named her a Young Global Leader!
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Leslie Dewan's Education
Leslie Dewan went to The Winsor School in Boston, Massachusetts. She graduated in 2002.
She then studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). In 2007, she earned two degrees. These were in mechanical engineering and nuclear engineering. She continued her studies at MIT. In 2013, she earned her Ph.D. in nuclear engineering. A Ph.D. is the highest university degree.
While at MIT, Leslie received special awards. She got a Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship. She also received an MIT Presidential Fellowship. These awards helped her pay for her studies.
Building New Companies
Transatomic Power Journey
In 2011, Leslie Dewan helped start a company called Transatomic Power. It was located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She was the chief executive officer (CEO) of this company.
Transatomic Power wanted to design new types of nuclear reactors. These were called molten salt reactors. They aimed to create clean and affordable nuclear power. This type of power uses nuclear reactions to make electricity.
Leslie's work quickly gained attention. In December 2012, Forbes magazine recognized her. They put her on their "30 Under 30" list for energy. This list highlights young, successful people.
In September 2013, MIT Technology Review also honored her. They named her one of "35 Innovators Under 35." In December 2013, TIME magazine included her. They called her one of "30 People Under 30 Changing the World."
Later, in 2016, some issues were found. There were errors in the company's reactor design analysis. A new design was created. It was better than older reactors. However, it could not grow fast enough for business needs. By September 25, 2018, Transatomic Power stopped working. They made their design information public.
RadiantNano's Focus
Today, Leslie Dewan is the CEO of a company called RadiantNano. It is in Framingham, Massachusetts. She works with Dr. Matthew Alpert.
RadiantNano creates special sensors. These sensors can find and map radiation. Their work helps with clean energy. It also helps with medical tests and national security.
A key goal for RadiantNano is stopping nuclear materials from being smuggled. They are developing technology for this. It helps prevent dangerous materials from being hidden in shipping containers.
Media Appearances
Leslie Dewan has appeared in several TV shows and documentaries. She was in Uranium – Twisting the Dragon's Tail. She also appeared on Nova in 2017. That episode was called "The Nuclear Option."
In 2019, she hosted a web series. It was called Electric Earth for National Geographic Partners. She is also expected to be in a future documentary. It is called The Limitless Generation. Leslie has also given speeches. She spoke at TEDx University of Rochester in 2019. She also spoke at Tedx Boca Raton in January 2022.