Whitney Baillie-Berring knew early on that she wanted a career in public service, but it was a nuclear threats workshop taken during her PhD program that led her to a fellowship and then a career with NNSA.
National Nuclear Security Administration
March 13, 2024
minute read time
I really love working in a field where I feel like my individual contributions, the contributions of my office, and the contributions of our agency make a difference for the security of our nation.
How do you support NNSA?
I support the Domestic Uranium Enrichment (DUE) Office managing the program’s budget and leading the DUE pilot plant effort. A major aspect of my role is overseeing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance of DUE activities in support of our mission to reestablish a reliable and economic supply of low enriched uranium (LEU) for defense purposes.
What is your personal background, and how has that shaped you and your approach to your career?
I grew up just outside Scott Air Force Base, IL. My dad was a combat veteran and instilled in me a desire to serve my country. While I did not end up joining the military, the influence from my father inspired my interest in national security and led me to a career in public service.
What did you study in school and how did it impact you personally and professionally?
I studied international relations and public administration in school. While completing my graduate work at the Maxwell School at Syracuse University, I had lots of opportunities to explore my interest in national security. My advisor for my PhD dissertation encouraged me to participate in as many workshops as possible, one being the Public Policy and Nuclear Threats Boot Camp run by Ambassador Linton Brooks. Through that workshop, I learned about the NGFP fellowship and ended up at NNSA.
What led you to a career in nuclear security?
I had always been interested in national security since participating in high school and college debate. We were always debating scenarios that would end up in nuclear war, and while some of those scenarios were a bit reaching, it really got me thinking about the gravity of international politics. I ended up attending graduate school and taking a course on nuclear proliferation that solidified my interest and desire to work in the field.
What is the best part about your job?
I really love working in a field where I feel like my individual contributions, the contributions of my office, and the contributions of our agency make a difference for the security of our nation.
What is your proudest accomplishment while working at NNSA?
In 2021, the DUE office was appropriated funds to establish a Uranium reserve. Our office worked tirelessly with the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy to overcome every obstacle we faced in completing this goal. Completing this project by the Secretary’s goal of December 2022 was extremely gratifying.
Tell us something interesting about yourself.
My husband and I collect houseplants and we cultivate hundreds of species of tropical plants in our home.
What advice would you have for anyone interested in a career in nuclear security?
I would seize every opportunity you can to learn about different activities and roles within the enterprise. I went to various workshops at different national labs across the country, completed my fellowship in a nonproliferation office, and ended up landing in NNSA’s Office of Defense Programs. It really helps you not only figure out where you want to be, but also understand how the mission of your office fits within broader national security goals.
Since it’s Women’s History Month, is there a woman in history or in your life that has inspired you?
Since I met her, I have always looked up to Summer Jones. She is committed to lifting up women in a male-dominated field and is a fantastic role model to young professionals. I also truly admire her ability to balance her professional and personal lives, showing young women that mothers can achieve professional success, too.