Rita Baranwal

About Rita Baranwal

I’m currently the Chief Nuclear Officer at Radiant, where we are building the world’s first mass-produced nuclear microreactors.I previously led deployment of Westinghouse’s AP300™ Small Modular Reactor. The sectors I engaged with included utilities, oil & gas, manufacturing, and technology. I also worked with national laboratories, universities, NGOs, and US and international government agencies.I was previously Chief Technology Officer at Westinghouse, where I led the company’s global research and development investments and spearheaded technology strategies to advance innovative nuclear and digital solutions. I was also previously CNO at EPRI, who provide nuclear R&D to more than 80% of the world\'s commercial nuclear fleet.I served as Assistant Secretary for the Office of Nuclear Energy in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE); I was nominated by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate for this role. I led DOE’s efforts to promote R&D on existing and advanced nuclear technologies that sustain the existing U.S. fleet of nuclear reactors, enable deployment of advanced nuclear energy systems, and enhance the U.S.A.\'s global commercial nuclear energy competitiveness.I was the inaugural director for the Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) initiative at Idaho National Laboratory. I was responsible for providing the nuclear industry and other stakeholders access to DOE\'s state-of-the-art R&D expertise, capabilities, and infrastructure to achieve faster and cost-effective development, demonstration, and ultimate deployment of innovative nuclear energy technologies. Under my leadership, GAIN positively impacted over 120 entities.Before joining the U.S. Department of Energy, I served as Director of Technology Development & Application at Westinghouse. There, I led the creation and development of game-changing technologies, including launching what is now the eVinci microreactor, and managed characterization and hot cell laboratories. My previous positions at Westinghouse included director of Core Engineering and manager of Materials and Fuel Rod Design. Prior to joining Westinghouse, I was a manager at Bechtel Bettis, Inc. where I conducted R&D in advanced nuclear fuel materials for US Naval Reactors.I am a Fellow of the American Nuclear Society. I have a bachelor’s degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in materials science and engineering and an M.S. and Ph.D. in the same discipline from the University of Michigan.

Experience

1. Chief Nuclear Officer

   Radiant

   Jun 2025 — Present

Education

• University of Michigan

  Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Materials Engineering

• University of Michigan

  Master of Science (MSc), Materials Engineering

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  Bachelor of Science (BSc), Materials Engineering