Scott Lathrop
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Scott Lathrop (yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini Tribe) is a leading expert on nuclear science and tribal engagement. As an inspector of Diablo Canyon Power Plant in the 1980's, Scott saw firsthand the details of nuclear development and the long-term economic benefits to the local region. Today, Scott serves as a member of the DCPP engagement panel and lectures across the country about the importance of Native voices in energy development decisions.
Find out more about Scott
here.
Ryan Pickering
Director of Nuclear Policy & Research
Ryan Pickering serves as crew facilitator for Native Nuclear’s Department of Energy Collaboration-Based Siting award and leads the organization’s work on nuclear policy and research. He collaborates with science and industry leaders to advance civilian nuclear technologies and national energy strategy. Ryan also mentors Native Nuclear interns and scholars, carrying forward Scott’s vision of seven-generation thinking in nuclear energy.
Find out more about Ryan
here.
Jessika Hernandez
Director of Federal Programs & Strategic Initiatives
Jessika Hernandez (Tāp Pīlam Coahuiltechan Nation) is a workforce development expert focused on advancing collaboration across the energy sector. Jessika served in federal grant management with the U.S. Department of Energy and led Research & Development efforts focused on pioneering workforce development strategies. Jessika is committed to advancing professional growth in the industry, serving as Vice Chair of the Professional Development Committee for U.S. Women in Nuclear and as an active member of the American Nuclear Society. At Native Nuclear, Jessika leads federal engagement and drives long-term strategies to ensure inclusive representation and sustainable growth for future generations.
Find out more about Jessika
here.
Samantha Brandts
Operations
Samantha is a recent Cal Poly San Luis Obispo graduate with experience in nonprofit marketing, community outreach, and social research. At Native Nuclear, she serves as the Executive Administrative Assistant to Scott Lathrop where she manages day-to-day operations and supports organizational strategy. Samantha’s role enables innovative connections between Native communities and the nuclear energy industry, helping bridge longstanding gaps in education, access, and advocacy.
Find out more about Samantha
here.
Joursele Bang-As
2025 Research & Development Intern
Joursele is a Nuclear Engineering major with a Computer Science minor at the University of New Mexico. She has technical experience in nuclear waste management and environmental remediation, including work at the Savannah River Site on safe nuclear waste storage. Her research spans uranium mine cleanup, radioactive containment, and the environmental impacts of legacy mining. Joursele has also conducted thermodynamic analyses, reactor modeling, and energy system optimization. She is committed to advancing safe nuclear technologies through environmental stewardship and innovation.
Supporters
Native Nuclear is a nonprofit organization that serves as a bridge between educational institutions, Native communities, and the nuclear energy sector.
While we advocate for greater Native representation in nuclear energy, we do not represent, nor do we speak on behalf of, any specific tribe.
Sponsors
We are a U.S. Department of Energy Awardee. This work is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy under Award Number DE-NE0009338. The mission of the Energy Department is to ensure America's security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions. Learn more at energy.gov.
Interested in becoming a partner or sponsor? Please contact us through our contact form below, or email us at admin@nativenuclear.org.
Logo was developed by the U.S. Department of Energy to indicate a receipt of DOE funding. Not an endorsement by DOE.