With nearly 34 years of service at Waterford 3, Michelle Groome has witnessed the plant’s evolution firsthand. Joining the team fresh out of the University of New Orleans with a mechanical engineering degree, Groome started in the design engineering department, working on electrical and instrumentation and control systems. Over the years, she took on increasingly responsible roles, including serving as a system engineer for critical plant systems like safety injection, emergency feedwater and ultimate heat sink.

In 2017, Groome was promoted to supervisor of the electrical systems group, before transitioning to her current role as an engineering, safety and performance instructor in 2022. “It’s really an honor to meet all the new faces coming to nuclear and help them understand the plant and our culture,” Groome shared.

Groome’s longevity at Waterford 3 is a testament to the respect and appreciation she has earned from her peers and leaders. “Knowing that my skills as an engineer and leader were valued and are sought out is humbling,” she explained. “We have many truly brilliant engineers, who have called me to ask questions, discuss issues and seek advice.”

This sense of being valued has been a key factor in keeping Groome at Waterford 3 for over three decades. “After working nights, weekends, etc. with your peers, they are more family than just a co-worker,” she said. “When I retire shortly, this will be the hardest part – leaving my work family.”

In her current role as an instructor, Groome finds the greatest reward in sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience with the next generation of nuclear professionals. “What I enjoy the most about my work – today, it’s teaching,” she shared. “Giving to this new generation the insights and knowledge that I have, and the perspective that I have been where you are today.”

Groome is passionate about instilling in young engineers the importance of technical excellence and an unwavering commitment to nuclear safety. “We want what is technically correct for our plant and to be relentless in our pursuit of nuclear safety,” she emphasized. Groome’s dedication to mentoring the next wave of talent ensures Waterford 3’s legacy of clean, reliable power will continue for decades to come.