SRNS engineers Alex Somers (left) and Nhon Do (center) discuss H-Canyon nuclear processes with SRNS Engineering Leadership Development Program Manager Mike Hughes. Somers and Do visited most major facilities at SRS as part of the training and enrichment program for new engineers.
AIKEN, S.C. – Alex Somers pursued a military career with a goal of serving on a nuclear submarine until a diabetes diagnosis ended his dream.
Nhon Do obtained a degree in criminal justice and prepared to become a police officer until a severe motorcycle accident left him with permanent leg damage.
Somers and Do found new career paths in their struggles as engineers with Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS), the DOE Savannah River Site’s (SRS) management and operations contractor, and took advantage of a successful leadership development program to grow in their roles.
Somers said he was pleased to become an SRNS engineer.
“What I also found attractive was the professional demeanor, devotion to teamwork and comradery that is the core of the engineering program at SRNS. I believe I’ve found a home here at SRS,” he said.
In addition to working as an electrical engineer with SRNS, Do owns a nail salon and mushroom farm.
“The SRNS Engineering Leadership Development Program (ELDP) is one of the reasons I chose to work at SRS,” Do said. “The various classes and types of mentoring are highly valuable for a new engineer. Our mentors’ level of experience is amazing, and the management team is excellent. I’d recommend this company to anyone.”
Somers and Do are two of 25 new engineers participating in ELDP, which invests in technical engineering and operational training combined with short-term projects in a variety of facilities and processes across the site. There is an emphasis on knowledge transfer and one-on-one focus with experienced engineers who serve as mentors.
Mike Hughes, the ELDP manager, said the program focuses on professional attention, support and respect that is hard to come by in today’s society.
“We want to attract the best engineers for the best reasons, creating and sustaining a mutually beneficial work environment,” he said.
Somers and Do appreciate the professional relationships they have with their managers.
“This type of training and supervision is highly appealing,” Somers said. “After all, we are all investing in the future of this organization.”
Somers has a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering from North Carolina State University. Do has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of South Carolina.