SC State nuclear engineering major gains hands-on experience at nuclear power plant
Mobile, Alabama, resident Jamal Wigfall puts SC State STEM education to work
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Jamal Wigfall came to South Carolina State University from Mobile, Alabama, to study nuclear engineering. Now a 21-year-old senior, he doesn’t like the idea of sitting in an office all day. He would rather gain hands-on experience in the field of nuclear engineering.
It was an opportunity Wigfall recently received through an internship with Constellation Energy, the nation’s largest producer of carbon-free energy.
‘A very informative experience’
Wigfall is a nuclear engineering major at SC State with a 3.6 GPA. He is enrolled as a Presidential Scholar in the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College.
This past summer, he served as a corporate radiation protection intern with Constellation Energy, the nation’s largest producer of carbon-free energy.
He received the opportunity to work at Dresden Generating Station in Morris, Illinois, one of several nuclear power plants owned and operated by Constellation Energy.
“I wanted a hands-on, in-person learning experience. This was my first time at a nuclear site. I most enjoyed learning how each department works, seeing in person how an engineer actually reacts, collaborates and communicates with different departments to execute and safely get things done,” Wigfall said.
His project was to conduct a baseline measurement of how much radionuclide caesium-137 was in the nuclear reactor fleets located at the nuclear plants.
“It can be harmful for the environment. So I did a study at each of the six Midwest Constellation sites. I took 48 samples in all, and I created an updated baseline of how much cesium there is in the Midwest,” Wigfall said.
He enjoyed working with interns from other colleges and universities as well as full-time employees who were former interns at the plant.
“It was about just being able to observe and experience many of the things that I could take back to my peers. I enjoyed learning everything about a nuclear plant. It was a very informative experience,” Wigfall said.
Wigfall has had two other internships. His first was at ArcelorMittal in Calvert, Alabama, a steel production company serving the automotive and appliance industries. His second internship involved conducting nuclear forensic research for SC State’s Center for Energy & Environmental Solutions in conjunction with 16 universities and six national laboratories.
He is also a member of the National Society of Black Engineers and serves as vice president of the SC State chapter of the American Nuclear Society.
SC State support makes a difference
Wigfall said the family atmosphere at SC State, where he has built many lasting relationships, has contributed to his success as a student.
Wigfall was offered full scholarships at both SC State and the University of South Alabama, but his choice was clear.
“When I went to South Carolina State, I felt like it was family-oriented. I felt like I could stand out and make a difference rather than being at South Alabama. I could make a difference anywhere, but I feel like I had a greater chance of being more than just a number at South Carolina State,” he said.
He was also intrigued by the university’s nuclear engineering degree, especially since SC State is the sole historically Black college or university (HBCU) in the country to offer a full undergraduate nuclear engineering degree. It is also the only institution in the Palmetto State to offer the degree.
“I felt like that was a difference right there. That was something that I never thought about doing, but it intrigued me once I did my research, plus math and science were my strongest subjects,” Wigfall said, noting that the support of his instructors at SC State has also been instrumental.
Dr. Musa Danjaji, a nuclear engineering professor and chair of the SC State Department of Engineering, would stay after hours, for example, helping Wigfall with mathematical equations.
“He really helped me with any class I had a problem with,” he said, noting that he also received support from the SC State Division of Enrollment Management, whose officials he met during a career fair.
“They are a part of my success. They didn’t just witness my success, but they helped me to get there. I feel there’s no other place where family love is as strong as within the Bulldog Nation. They will embrace anyone,” Wigfall said.
He does not know whether he will work immediately after graduation or attend graduate school.
“I may start working just to gain some work experience. I want to obtain my operating nuclear reactor license,” he said, noting that he may also return to school to pursue a Master of Science in Accountancy and a Master of Business Administration dual degree.
In the meantime, his message for other students is clear.
“You are in charge of your success. My message to future college students is to be better than you were yesterday. I’m not the smartest or the richest person, but God has just blessed me,” Wigfall said.
“I pray that God gives me the wisdom to ask the right questions and allows me to connect with the right people to maximize my potential and be the successful young Black man he put me here to be,” he said.