Faces of the ISSNAF DMV Chapter - Spotlight on Valentina Angelini Avincola

Faces of ISSNAF was created to look beyond titles and CVs and focus on the people behind them: their journeys, choices, challenges, and the pieces of Italy they carry with them abroad. Through the voices of the Ambassadors and Members of the ISSNAF DMV Chapter, this series shares what it truly feels like to build a life and career far from home.

It is a mosaic of lived experiences, a celebration of the people who give ISSNAF its heart and its voice.

Our journey begins with Dr. Valentina Angelici Avincola, Lead Engineer at MPR Associates, Lead Engineer at MPR Associates, whose path we explore in the very first interview.

Was there a meaningful moment in your professional experience in North America that made you feel proud of what you achieved?

After spending a few years in the United States, I came to realize that the research I had conducted early in my career in Germany, work that at the time did not seem to lead anywhere, had become very valuable. I am proud that the foundation I built during those early years has proven to be so relevant today.

I began researching nuclear graphite performance in Germany in 2011, before completing my Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering, just weeks before the Fukushima accident. As graphite was no longer a priority topic in the environment, I shifted my focus and pursued a PhD on advanced fuel and cladding materials for light water reactors (the operating fleet) as well as Generation IV reactors.

After moving to the United States, renewed and growing interest in nuclear graphite emerged, and graphite was recognized again as a critical material for advanced nuclear reactors. At that point, my earlier experience became highly relevant again. Today, I leverage that foundation to support advanced reactor developers in qualifying graphite and other mission-critical materials that enable the safe and reliable deployment of next-generation of nuclear reactors.

What initially drew you to this path, and when did you realize it was the right one for you?

I’ve always believed that each of us has a place and a mission we are meant to pursue. Since I was a child, I dreamed of becoming a scientist and contributing to a sustainable way of producing energy. When I began studying engineering in college, nuclear engineering captured my attention; it felt like the perfect intersection of science, innovation, and meaningful impact.

At the same time, I’ve always been deeply curious about other countries and cultures. I love to travel, but I realized early on that simply visiting a place doesn’t truly challenge your perspective, only living there does. While I was searching for an opportunity abroad, I found the chance to complete my Master’s thesis in Germany at a European Commission laboratory. That experience was transformative. Being surrounded by colleagues from many different countries, adapting to a new professional culture, and working daily in another language was both intellectually stimulating and personally formative. I chose to remain in Germany to pursue a PhD on materials for advanced nuclear reactor applications.

As Germany accelerated its phase-out of nuclear energy, I made the decision to move to the United States, where nuclear power continues to play a central role and innovation in advanced reactor technologies is gaining strong momentum. It was a natural progression, both professionally and in continuing the mission that first inspired me as a child.

Is there something people would be surprised to learn about you outside of your work?

Outside of work, I’m a mother of two, and most of my time and energy go into raising my children. It’s one of the most meaningful roles I have. Children challenge you in unexpected ways: they push you beyond your comfort zone, reveal parts of yourself you didn’t know were there, and help you see the world with fresh eyes. It’s a responsibility that has taught me patience, resilience, and perspective in ways that no professional experience ever could.

What’s your favorite Italian habit or tradition you have kept while living abroad?

I continue to use the Italian language in my daily private life: I read Italian books and speak Italian with my children. I believe Italian is a beautiful and rich language, with an extraordinary literary tradition, and I hope that one day my children will be interested in learning it more deeply and exploring our literature, from Dante to contemporary authors.

Looking back, what advice would you give to scientists and scholars who are considering a similar path outside their home country?

Follow your passion, trust your instincts, and stay open to the opportunities that come your way. Moving outside your home country can feel uncertain at times, but it is often in those moments of uncertainty that you grow the most, both professionally and personally. Being flexible, curious, and willing to step outside your comfort zone can lead to experiences and perspectives that shape not only your career, but also who you become.