Kathleen Araújo 2023 Innovation Award Winner
Kathleen Araújo
Director of the Energy Policy Institute in the School of Public Service
Dr. Kathleen Araújo Creates Innovative Cross-Institutional Graduate Certificate in Nuclear Safeguards and Security
Dr. Kathleen Araújo, Director of the Energy Policy Institute in the School of Public Service at Boise State University, created a unique, cross-institutional graduate certificate program that is the first of its kind, the Graduate Certificate Program in Nuclear Safeguards and Security.
This program equips students with “skills that are critical for maintaining nuclear energy sources as part of our national energy plan”. Students learn about both physical protection of nuclear materials, and also how to detect and prevent cyber-attacks. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of nuclear safeguards and security, as well as the policy and regulatory frameworks that govern these areas. By bringing together experts from multiple institutions, the program provides students with a unique perspective that is not available in traditional programs.
Dr. Araújo developed this program in collaboration with colleagues at Idaho State University and University of Idaho, requiring an innovative approach as she navigated numerous bureaucratic hurdles, built strong relationships, and communicated effectively to bring this program to fruition with the Idaho State Board of Education.
In addition to leading the creation of this program, Dr. Araújo is an expert in energy policy, efficiency, and practices. She is responsible for the strategic oversight, research, and advising for the Institute – the policy body for the Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES), a consortium of public universities and the Idaho National Laboratory.
Dr. Araújo’s expertise in energy policy has positioned her as a leader in the field of energy transitions. Her work in this area is nationally recognized, and the development of this cross-institutional graduate certificate program is just one example of her innovative contributions to the field. The program has received widespread recognition and praise, and Dr. Araújo’s leadership has been instrumental in its success.