Navigating the nuclear industry: Q&A with Chris Dixon (B.Sc. ’95)

A career in the nuclear industry can take you around the world. It can also bring you full circle to where your adventure began – and where your work is having a powerful impact in local lives and communities.

We sat down with Chris Dixon (B.Sc. ’95), Vice-President of Nuclear at Laurentis Energy Partners, for a Q&A about his journey in the nuclear industry and the uncharted and familiar places it can take young professionals.

What did you study at McMaster and what inspired you to pursue your degree?

I did a physics degree with complementary studies. I liked the fact that I got to study physics while exploring subjects in humanities and social sciences – it really helped me broaden my education and deepen my understanding of the world.

I stumbled into nuclear physics through an introductory health physics course. It was the perfect blend of engineering and theoretical physics, full of cool calculations. It hooked me. During my undergrad, I landed a year-long junior health physicist job. I worked closely with McMaster’s health physics department and got to spend time in the McMaster Nuclear Reactor. It was the perfect introduction to the field.  

Can you describe your career path since graduating from McMaster?

I was lucky to land a job in the nuclear industry right after graduating in 1995, a time when nuclear jobs were harder to come by. I started as a junior health physicist at a small company, which gave me invaluable hands-on experience.

Later, I joined Ontario Power Generation, spending a few years in health physics before moving into reactor operations as a licensed Shift Manager. To me, reactor operations is the purest form of applied engineering and physics. Every single day, you have to apply everything you’ve learned – from health physics to reactor physics to chemistry to electrical and metallurgical engineering – to solve real-world problems.

Now, I’m working at Laurentis Energy Partners. I get to travel the world and collaborate with engineers to improve reactor designs based on real operational experience.

Looking back, I’ve never had a job outside the nuclear industry, and that’s because of my passion for the field. That passion was fueled by my early experiences at Mac. My undergrad years taught me critical thinking and resiliency, both when facing technical challenges and when working with people.

Tell us about Laurentis Energy Partners. What kinds of projects is your company focused on?

Laurentis Energy Partners is the commercial arm of Ontario Power Generation. We’re based in Canada but have operations in Europe, too. In just over five years, we’ve rapidly grown in staff, expertise, and revenue. We started as a small group and focused on sharing the knowledge gained from Ontario Power Generation to help other nuclear utilities with things like reactor inspection, fuel channel replacement, and engineering support.

We’ve since expanded into health physics. We’re currently collaborating with McMaster on the Clean-Energy Materials Sorting and Recycling Initiative in Hamilton, which is focused on reducing waste and developing sustainable solutions for the nuclear industry. It’s an exciting project that ties back to my health physics background and my time at McMaster.

Small modular reactor technologies are also a big focus for us. We’re currently working with countries like Poland and Estonia to advise them on licensing, environmental assessments, and project management to help them build their nuclear fleets.

Staying on the European theme, Laurentis’ subsidiary in Romania, Canadian Nuclear Partners S.A. has been supporting the Romanian utility SN Nuclearelectricia S.A. for a number of years. Most recently, CNPSA signed a long-term framework agreement valued close to $400M to provide project management organization services for their Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant Unit 1 refurbishment. 

We’re also supporting global healthcare and research communities by producing medical and non-medical isotopes at the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station. The Target Delivery System, developed in partnership with BWXT Medical Ltd., is a specifically engineered irradiation system designed to produce potentially life-saving isotopes within a CANDU nuclear reactor while the reactor remains online.

I’m almost 30 years into my career and it’s been a rewarding journey, especially seeing how my career has come full circle to support people in Hamilton and beyond.

What emerging technologies or advancements in the nuclear sector excite you the most?

There are so many exciting things happening in nuclear. The radioisotope industry is growing rapidly as more people need access to new treatments. Innovations in nuclear medicine are helping people live longer, healthier lives.

And the demand for nuclear power is set to double as we shift away from fossil fuels. Small modular reactors and what we call ‘Generation III.5’ and ‘Generation IV’ reactors are gaining global attention, and organizations in Canada and around the world are looking to Ontario for our expertise in reactor operations and construction to drive these technologies forward.

What really excites me is Gen IV reactor technology – smaller, safe and emissions-free reactors that could be game-changing for remote northern communities.

The world is experiencing a nuclear renaissance, which translates into a growing need for nuclear experts. There’s a huge opportunity right now for those entering the industry to launch long, lucrative careers.

What qualities or attributes do you think are essential for success in the nuclear industry? How can recent grads stand out when applying for jobs?

Your degree gets you the interview, but it’s your enthusiasm, intelligence, and personality that land you the job.

My passion for what I do has helped me succeed – and that passion has the power to inspire others. Excitement about your work and its impact is key. It can help you gain support from governments and companies and secure funding for projects.

And you don’t need to be a nuclear physicist or engineer; there are a wide variety of STEM and non-STEM careers in this field. Passion for your field is what drives success. When hiring, I look for people who are enthusiastic, innovative, and eager to learn. Jobs in nuclear can be demanding, but if you have a hunger for knowledge, every day is rewarding.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of working in the nuclear industry?

One of the most exhilarating moments as a nuclear operator is synchronizing a generator. Reactors are complex, and it’s easy to get lost in the technical details, but at the core, you’re producing safe nuclear power. You’re harnessing energy at a fundamental level, turning it into electricity. The feeling of being part of that process never gets old, no matter how many times I’ve done it.

Another highlight is working on new reactor designs. Seeing an idea go from paper to reality and being the first to operate a new reactor is thrilling.

Finally, on a personal level, helping others grow – both as scientists and as individuals – is super fulfilling. Knowing I’ve contributed to their journey and that they’ll pass on the wisdom they’ve gained to others is incredibly rewarding.

Any parting words of advice for students pursuing a career in nuclear?

Follow your passion, not just a job. University should be about expanding your mind, not just getting a degree. When you find what you love, chase it – you’ll never have a bad day doing what excites you.

If you have an applied science or engineering mindset, I truly believe there’s no more rewarding field than nuclear. Years ago, I was told the industry had no future – but I’m so glad I didn’t listen. Now, we’re not just talking about nuclear power, but about creating new life-saving medicines and limitless clean energy. It’s an exciting time to be in this field.

Lastly, the nuclear industry is full of passionate people who love to talk about what they do. Whether you’re interested in operations, radiochemistry, health physics – there are people who will be happy to help you find your path. Visit a nuclear power station, talk to professionals, or connect with professors to explore your interests – you might find their enthusiasm is contagious!