Rita Baranwal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rita Baranwal
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Assistant Secretary of Energy for Nuclear Energy | |
| In office July 8, 2019 – January 8, 2021 |
|
| President | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Peter B. Lyons |
| Succeeded by | Kathryn Huff |
| Personal details | |
| Spouse | Peter |
| Children | 2 |
| Parent | Krishna & Arti |
| Education | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (BS) University of Michigan (MS, PhD) |
Rita Baranwal is an important scientist and leader who has worked with nuclear energy. She used to be the Assistant Secretary of Energy for Nuclear Energy for the United States. This means she was in charge of the Office of Nuclear Energy within the United States Department of Energy.
She started this big job in July 2019 and worked until January 2021. Before that, she led a special project called Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN). This project helps speed up new ideas in nuclear science. She also worked at a company called Westinghouse Electric Company, which builds things for nuclear power.
Education and Learning
Rita Baranwal is very well-educated. She earned her first degree, a bachelor's, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She studied materials science and engineering there. This field is about how different materials are made and how they behave.
Later, she went to the University of Michigan. There, she earned both her master's degree and her PhD in the same subject. A PhD is the highest degree you can get in a field of study.
Her Career Journey
Before working for the US government, Rita Baranwal had many important jobs. She worked at a company called Bechtel Bettis, Inc. There, she helped manage research on special materials for nuclear fuel used in US Navy ships.
After that, she joined Westinghouse Electric Company. She had many different leadership roles there. For example, she led teams that designed parts for nuclear power plants. She also worked on developing new technologies for nuclear materials and fuel rods.
Rita Baranwal is also a member of the American Nuclear Society (ANS). This group helps people learn about nuclear science and technology. She has held leadership positions within this society. She also helped a community group called North Hills Community Outreach.
