- Major: Nuclear Engineering
- Hometown: Oak Ridge, Tennessee
- Graduation Year: May 2023
- E-mail: sophie@vols.utk.edu
Ambassador Profile
Hi, Future Vols!
My name is Sophie Hitson and I’m a senior studying nuclear engineering from Oak Ridge, Tennessee. I’ve always had a love for physics, chemistry, and the environment, so nuclear engineering felt like a great fit. I am specifically interested in nuclear safeguards and nonproliferation!
This past summer I lived in Germantown, MD and worked at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). NRC is the federal agency who regulates all power and non-power utilizations of nuclear material, other than weapons material. After sophomore year, I worked remotely with Los Alamos National Lab (LANL) as a nuclear safeguards intern. With the Lab, I had a fantastic experience working with my mentors, learning about the process of scientific research, and using my nuclear knowledge to help progress a research project. It was an invaluable opportunity where I learned about my passions within nuclear engineering.
The level of support you will find here at the Tickle College of Engineering will push you to become the fullest, most successful version of yourself. There are hundreds of organizations to get involved in at UT! A few that I have joined include Women in Nuclear, Cook Grand Challenge Honors Program, and the Honors Living and Learning Community. I’m also involved in undergraduate research about nuclear nonproliferation. Each of these activities have allowed me to grow as a person and student - and even brought me some of my best friends and supporters.
Outside of school, I work as a certified yoga instructor at a few studios around Knoxville. I absolutely love to travel to the Smokies for a hike, host yoga classes for my buddies, and spend time with my cat.
Coming to UT has given me the love and encouragement that I only dreamed of when I was filling out college applications. I promise that you will find an incredible support system and unlimited opportunities at the Tickle College of Engineering. If you have any questions or just want to chat, please feel free to reach out! That’s what I’m here for. I look forward to seeing you on campus and Go Vols, baby!!
