Burns attends uranium mining workshop

Monday, September 06, 2010

Lifestyles	September 06, 2010

7/29/2010 10:13:00 AM

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Amanda Burns

Burns attends uranium mining workshop
CORPUS CHRISTI - Normangee High School teacher Amanda Burns has gained first-hand experience from experts in the mining and nuclear energy fields at the third annual Texas Mining and Reclamation Association (TMRA) uranium mining teacher workshop.

The workshop was conducted July 19-23 in Corpus Christi.

Burns was one of 19 science teachers selected out of hundreds of applications received by TMRA to participate in the all-expense-paid workshop. The teachers spent five days with industry experts learning the ins and outs of uranium mining, including exploration, mining techniques, permitting, groundwater protection and land reclamation. Teachers were also given a tour of a fully operational uranium mine operated by Mesteña Uranium, LLC.

This year's workshop paid particular attention to providing teachers with resources they can use when advising students interested in careers in the mining and nuclear fields. Wayne Kinnison, associate professor of physics at Texas A&M University-Kingsville and advisory committee member of the Nuclear Power Institute, led an in-depth session on nuclear power and nuclear-related disciplines.

Kinnison stressed the dire need for skilled workers in the nuclear industry and urged workshop participants to inform their students of the tremendous employment opportunities available within the field. A typical nuclear power plant has 450 positions available that require only a two-year degree, he said.

"The goal of this year's workshop has really been to provide teachers with the tools they need to advise students who might be interested in pursuing a career in the nuclear industry," TMRA Education Director Francye Hutchins said. "These students have many options open to them that do not necessarily require your typical four-year college degree. Our goal is to educate these teachers about our industry and the many employment and educational opportunities available to interested students."

Burns will receive state-approved professional development credits for her participation in the workshop, which is aligned with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for grades four through 12.

For more information about how to apply for future workshops please visit www.tmra.com.

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