Meet Bego Aranguren from NNSA's Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation. She embraces her family, cowboy boots, and nuclear science. Next up? Dancing. As Bego says: Bring. It. On!
National Nuclear Security Administration
October 12, 2023
minute read time
The opportunities I was able to pursue while at Texas A&M shaped my professional career. I actually might not be here today if it wasn’t for some of those opportunities. Personally, I spent nine years in Texas and now own three pairs of cowboy boots, so I would definitely say it had an impact there as well.
How do you support NNSA?
I help manage technical projects at national laboratories that look at developing technologies for safeguarding existing nuclear reactors as well as proposed advanced reactors and their associated nuclear fuel cycles.
What is your personal background, and how has that shaped you and your approach to your career?
I grew up in Madrid, Spain, and came to the United States when I started university in 2013. I moved from Spain to Texas, which, as you can imagine, are not very similar. My parents had always taught my brother and I the importance of being adaptable, and so I tried my best to adapt to my new life. Luckily, things went pretty well for me, and so I try my best to keep this mindset in my personal and professional life: always be willing and able to adapt!
What did you study in school and how did it impact you personally and professionally?
I have an undergraduate degree in nuclear engineering from Texas A&M University, and I enjoyed it so much that I decided to stick around for a Ph.D. also in nuclear engineering. The opportunities I was able to pursue while at Texas A&M shaped my professional career. I actually might not be here today if it wasn’t for some of those opportunities. Personally, I spent nine years in Texas and now own three pairs of cowboy boots, so I would definitely say it had an impact there as well.
What led you to a career in nuclear security?
Having great mentors and professors throughout my life! Even during the last year of my Ph.D., I was pretty confused as to what I wanted to do next. I knew I was passionate about nuclear energy but was unsure what that meant. I talked to a lot of people I look up to, listened to their experiences, and talked about my interests. It turns out that smart people give great advice! I’m glad I found my way here; I absolutely love what I do.
What is the best part about your job?
The people, 100%!
What is your proudest accomplishment while working at NNSA?
Representing my team at an international conference in Vienna has to be up there. I even met Max Aparo (Massimo Aparo, Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Safeguards at the International Atomic Energy Agency) and took a picture with him (totally starstruck!).
Tell us something interesting about yourself.
I have started going to dance lessons to prepare for my wedding in February. We will see how that goes… ?
I talked to a lot of people I look up to, listened to their experiences, and talked about my interests. It turns out that smart people give great advice! I’m glad I found my way here; I absolutely love what I do.
Do you have any highlights from your time supporting NNSA?
Earlier this year I got to travel to Japan and visit nuclear facilities to learn about international safeguards implementation. It was my first time in Japan, and it was an unbelievable experience. I even got to listen to and meet a Hiroshima survivor. It was truly life changing, and I will never forget it!
What advice would you have for anyone interested in a career in nuclear security?
Do it! Admitting that currently “my career in nuclear security” refers to 1.5 years of NNSA experience, it is super rewarding and motivating. The work you do here has a direct impact around the world – that is pretty cool! The people you will meet and the places you will visit… what could be better?
Who is someone that inspires you and why?
My grandmother, whom I was named after. She revolutionized the fashion industry in Spain in the ‘70s, introducing high-end brands to the country. She was named one of the top 10 people who had the biggest impact on the Spanish economy – the only woman on this list. The king of Spain awarded her a medal and she will never let us forget! Long story short, what I learn from her daily: Bring. It. On.
How do you plan to celebrate/commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month?
I will take any opportunity to celebrate! I will spend time with friends and family and eat great food (not cooked by me because that would be horrible). I will probably listen to some Spanish music as well.