David Butz is a design engineer and environmentalist who has been thinking about the energy generation and pollution problem for over 50 years. He has followed the ongoing progress toward nuclear fusion, and investigated the possibilities of various forms of renewable energy generation. Finding that nuclear fission is now a mature, practical, and safe means of generating clean and dependable base-load power, he is a strong advocate for expanded use of this technology in face of the current urgent challenge caused by the large and growing release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Fusion is coming; fission is here and ready today.
Carolyn McCreary was inspired to become a climate activist through the movie "An Inconvenient Truth". After her retirement from her University teaching position (PhD, Computer Science, U. of Colorado, 1987), she dedicated her time to becoming a member of the town Select Board to lead the town to become a green community focusing on solar installations. Her disappointment with the output of her own solar panels led her to look at alternative energy solutions. Through her reading and research she has come to embrace nuclear energy as an important part of the solution to decarbonizing our planet.
Lynda Kaylor is a life-long nature lover and avid hiker. After a long career in Mental Health Nursing, she is now focusing her energy on environmental and political activism.
Lynda is drawn to nuclear energy as a viable solution to combat climate change because she relishes untangling complicated problems with pragmatic ideas. She is committed to making the planet a better place for the next generation.
Steering Committee
Dale Levandier developed his love of nature as a youngster in a remote Nova Scotia fishing village. During a productive career as a research scientist, Dale Levandier (PhD Chemistry, U. Waterloo, ’91) worked hard to obtain the data that allowed an understanding of fundamental natural phenomena. That reliance on data drives Dale’s advocacy for nuclear power as the wisest near-term solution to provide the reliable, resilient, zero-carbon energy we need so we can eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels and preserve our natural world.
Susan Tordella inherited the activist gene from her mother, and the nuclear one from her dad, a scientist on the Manhattan Project. Until recently, Susan absorbed the commonly held erroneous FEAR toward nuclear energy (like many environ-mentalists) until she heard a talk on the benefits of nuclear by fellow Unitarian David Butz. Further reading on the Grid and the many deficits of wind and solar, motivated her to advocate for clean-modern-safe nuclear power plants, which she would gladly have in her backyard, for the sake of her four grandchildren.
Cynthia Knapp grew up in Ohio with wildflowers, climbing trees, and blackberries in abundance. With degrees in psychology and speech pathology, She moved to Massachusetts to begin a 27-year career working with children, teens and seniors. After retiring, Cynthia deepened her connection with the natural world, studied qigong, energy medicine and other alternative healing modalities, and developed a teaching and healing practice. Her lifelong love of the natural world translated into various forms of activism through her life, starting with electing an environmentalist to Congress who saved the Cuyahoga River. (Remember? The river that caught on fire!)
Given the urgency of the climate crisis and the rapid loss of habitat and biodiversity, getting real about environmental challenges and possible solutions has been a pressing concern. She appreciates this Eco-Nuclear Solutions group as a great source of ongoing learning plus camaraderie and support in the struggle to break through the ignorance and fears that are currently delaying our progress in solving these problems.
Marcia Young (B.S. Chemistry, Tufts University) spent her career in biomedical research, development and regulatory affairs. She was fortunate to get into biotech in its infancy and worked within this exciting new industry as a Director of Regulatory Affairs getting FDA approval for some of the first biotech pharmaceuticals. She has never been an activist, but in her retirement is now motivated to do something to solve the energy crisis. Her love of trees and wilderness has led her to find an energy solution that does not clear cut large swaths of trees for solar panels and windmills. She has come to see Nuclear Power as the zero-carbon energy source that will provide abundant, reliable energy for all while also preserving the beauty of our natural environment.
Shawn Noyes is a dedicated advocate for nuclear energy with a proven track record in the technology and IT management arena. His daily endeavors involve collaborating closely with forward-thinking IT executives to drive innovation and efficiency.
Prior to his current role, Shawn made substantial contributions to the technology sector, serving as a Senior Account Executive in the software industry. In this capacity, he played a pivotal role in assisting IT professionals in addressing security challenges and enhancing user experiences through cutting-edge systems. His extensive experience at industry giants such as Microsoft, SAP America, and Oracle Corporation underscores his versatile skill set and deep industry knowledge.
Furthermore, Shawn's foundation as a software systems analyst with Stone & Webster Engineering at Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Station has enabled him to continually adapt and evolve within the ever-changing technology landscape. His diverse and extensive professional journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to innovation, efficiency, and the delivery of impactful solutions.
Today, Shawn brings his wealth of expertise to our Eco Nuclear Solutions group as well as Generation Atomic, where his business acumen and unwavering dedication to progress are poised to drive positive change. Shawn stands as a true advocate for a sustainable and secure future.