Jhansi Kandasamy: In an era where clean energy is not just a goal but a necessity, Jhansi Kandasamy’s nuclear leadership stands out as a beacon of innovation, determination, and purposeful transformation. With more than three decades in the nuclear energy industry, Kandasamy has carved a path not only through the intricate world of nuclear science and engineering but also through systemic barriers that have long excluded women and minorities from leadership roles in STEM.
Today, as Vice President of Advanced Nuclear and External Affairs at The Nuclear Company, Kandasamy is at the forefront of America’s energy revolution. Her leadership is bold, rooted in technical excellence, and deeply committed to equity and sustainability. From rural villages in India to high-level boardrooms in the U.S., her story is a powerful testament to the impact one visionary leader can have on the world.
Jhansi Kandasamy: From Humble Beginnings to Global Influence
Kandasamy’s journey began in North America as a skilled electrical engineer and evolved into one of the most impactful leadership careers in the nuclear energy sector. Her early professional years were forged through hands-on roles at Exelon’s Limerick and Oyster Creek Generating Stations—where she rose through the ranks as a maintenance supervisor, operations supervisor, engineering manager, and more. These roles laid the technical foundation for what would become a lifelong mission: to leverage nuclear energy for the benefit of the planet and its people.
Armed with a U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Senior Reactor Operator certification, Kandasamy was not content to simply maintain the status quo. She aimed higher—seeking to influence not just systems, but policy, design, and most critically, representation.
Innovation Rooted in Purpose
At GE-Hitachi, as Executive Vice President of Engineering, Kandasamy led a pioneering team that contributed to the design and development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)—a new generation of compact, safe, and cost-efficient nuclear technology. Her work directly supported the global transition to carbon-free energy, aligning with her lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship.
Later, as the Executive Director of Idaho National Laboratory’s Net-Zero program, she spearheaded a roadmap to lead INL to net-zero emissions by 2031. Her accomplishments included initiating the first electric motor coach at a federal facility—earning her team the prestigious 2024 U.S. Department of Energy Sustainability Award.
Jhansi Kandasamy: Leadership at The Nuclear Company – Building America’s Energy Future
Joining The Nuclear Company in 2024 marked another milestone in Jhansi Kandasamy’s nuclear leadership journey. With energy demand surging due to AI computing, electrification, and onshoring manufacturing, the company’s mission is both urgent and ambitious. Its fleet-scale model uses proven, licensed nuclear technology and a “design-once, build-many” strategy—minimizing costs and construction delays.
Kandasamy’s role is pivotal. As Vice President of Regulatory and External Affairs, she builds public-private partnerships, advances licensing strategies, and strengthens the company’s position in the global energy landscape. Her voice and expertise are instrumental in making nuclear energy an attractive, scalable solution to America’s energy crisis.
Championing Diversity and Empowerment
Kandasamy’s contributions to nuclear energy are matched only by her unwavering dedication to diversity and inclusion. As past chair of U.S. Women in Nuclear (WIN), board member of Women in Nuclear Global, and co-founder of the Nuclear Executives of Tomorrow (NEXT) program, she has mentored hundreds of women into executive roles. She also co-founded Atomic Allies, VIEW (Vision for Inclusive Engineering Workforce), and the U.S. WIN Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Working Group—ensuring gender and racial equity remains at the heart of the nuclear industry’s future.
In a field where women remain vastly underrepresented, her leadership has made tangible differences—not only in boardrooms but across job sites, laboratories, and educational institutions.
Giving Back: Education, Equity, and Global Impact
Even beyond her nuclear career, Kandasamy remains deeply committed to community upliftment. She serves as the President and Chair of Sri Nagalakshmi Ammal College of Sciences, an institution founded by her father in rural southern India. The college offers low-cost and no-cost education to underprivileged students, nurturing the next generation of changemakers in STEM and beyond.
Her work in global education demonstrates that Jhansi Kandasamy’s nuclear leadership is not just about reactors and roadmaps—it’s about opportunity, empowerment, and creating access for those who need it most.
A Life of Balance and Inspiration
Despite her demanding career, Kandasamy is grounded in family and personal passion. She is a proud mother of two, a devoted wife, and an avid reader who finds joy in painting, travel, pickleball, and walking. Her multifaceted life reflects the richness of someone who leads with both heart and intellect.
Also Read : Gita Gopinath Leaves IMF: Returns to Harvard as Professor