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A Women's History Month spotlight
03/17/2025
For many, the nuclear industry seems like a distant world, something seen in movies. But for Waterford 3’s Radiation Protection Technician Lisa Parks, nuclear energy is not just her profession, but a passion.
In 2016, Parks started her Entergy career as a decontamination technician at New York’s Indian Point Energy Center, which closed in 2021. But quickly she realized she wanted more.
“I knew I didn’t want to stop there,” Parks recalls. “I looked into radiation protection, took the test, earned my quals, and became an RP technician. It’s something I love doing and I’m very passionate about it.”
Parks’s journey led her to Waterford 3 Steam Electric Station in Kilona, La., where she has spent the past three years expanding her expertise in a fast-paced environment, monitoring contamination and radiation levels while ensuring the safety of the public and plant personnel. “It’s fun to me,” she said. “I feel like you never work a day in your life if you enjoy what you are doing.”
Mentorship played a critical role in Park’s development. She credits retired RP Tech Duane Miller as a key figure in her career, as well as Brittany Scott, a former Arkansas Nuclear One technician who inspired her. “I remember my second planned maintenance and refueling outage, seeing Scott at the desk, confidently explaining nuclear concepts like it was her first language. I told myself, ‘I want that to be me one day.’”
Years later Parks found herself in that very position, knowledgeable, respected and helping guide work crews through RP procedures. “I looked back and realized that I had achieved my goal.”
Leadership and the power of representation
Parks isn’t the only woman making strides at Waterford 3. She highlights the impact of Melody (Mel) Gibson, RP manager, as a trailblazer. “Mel started in housekeeping and is now the radiation protection manager. That is major. She came in dominating, bringing new ideas and pushing our program forward.”
Beyond her leadership role, Gibson serves as a mentor and advocate. “She pushes you to be the best version of yourself,” Parks said. “She’s paving the way for future women in the industry.”
Advice for women and the next generation of female nuclear professionals
For young women considering careers in STEM and nuclear, Park’s message is clear: never stop learning.
“Use your resources and learn as much as you can. If you want to get a degree in nuclear, go for it. Find a mentor, that’s one of the biggest things. There are people willing to teach, and that’s a good thing.”
Lisa also encourages women to push past limitations. “When they tell you what you can’t do, show them what you can do.”
Her final advice to the future generation of female nuclear professionals? “Never limit yourself.”
