If Carolyn Campbell could offer one piece of advice to women considering a career in the nuclear industry, it would be this:

Define success on your own terms.

The nuclear sector, like many industrial industries, has historically been male dominated, but that landscape is changing. More women are building meaningful careers in nuclear and STEM, stepping into leadership roles and helping shape the future of the industry.

Carolyn is one of them.

A Regulatory Affairs Manager at Laurentis Energy Partners, based in Saint John, New Brunswick, Carolyn works alongside multidisciplinary teams supporting complex nuclear projects. Her journey began more than 20 years ago during a 16‑month work term at the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station while completing her Engineering degree at the University of New Brunswick.

After graduating, Carolyn joined the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission as a site inspector for nuclear facilities in Ontario and New Brunswick. She later worked in the oil and gas sector as an Environmental Contact Engineer before returning to Point Lepreau, where she spent seven years as both an environmental technical specialist and a waste management specialist – roles that deepened her operational experience and broadened her industry perspective.

Today, Carolyn draws on that diverse experience in her role at Laurentis. Her work spans isotopes, waste management, regulatory strategy and the development of new nuclear applications, supporting projects from concept through regulatory approval.

“I value the opportunity to collaborate with so many different teams,” she said. “Each group brings a unique perspective, and working together to solve complex challenges makes the work both engaging and rewarding.”

At Laurentis, more than 30 per cent of employees identify as female, including many in management and executive roles, up to and including the company’s President and CEO. Increasing female representation continues to be an important focus for the organization.

Like many professionals in demanding technical fields, Carolyn has balanced career progression with family priorities. She made deliberate choices to remain present for her daughter’s sports and theatre activities, while supporting her broader family.

“My family has always been my foundation,” said Carolyn. “At times, choosing to centre that was misunderstood or questioned, as though it made me less committed. Balancing demanding schedules with being present at home required resilience, and it highlighted how women often carry an additional, invisible layer of expectation when it comes to proving their commitment.”

But progress is being made. Carolyn credits the women who came before her with helping move the industry forward.

“The progress they made opened doors that once felt firmly shut,” she said. “But like many STEM fields, there is still more work to do.”

She also highlights the value of organizations like Women in Nuclear (WiN), which provide mentorship, professional networks, and a supportive community for women across the sector. “These groups create space to share experiences, build confidence, and learn from one another,” explained Carolyn. “They also help ensure women’s perspectives are heard and valued as the industry continues to evolve.”

For women considering careers in nuclear or other technical fields, Carolyn’s message is simple:

“Your perspective is invaluable, and your contributions matter. You don’t need to choose between a fulfilling career and a fulfilling life. The industry benefits most when it supports people as whole individuals, and there is immense opportunity for women to help shape its future.”