2024 Cohort of Robin Copeland Memorial Fellowship Present Capstone Research Projects

In conclusion of the 2024 Robin Copeland Memorial Fellowship (RCMF) program, CRDF Global hosted a final webinar on October 8 to showcase the fellows’ capstone research projects. The presentation showcased the RCMF fellows’ remarkable achievements, and attendees had the opportunity to engage with them directly through a question-and-answer segment.

The RCMF was established in memory of Robin Copeland, a pioneer for women in the nuclear security field and former employee of CRDF Global. The program empowers women leaders to promote a culture of nonproliferation and serve as role models to the next generation of women worldwide. RCMF fellows participate in a three-phased exchange program on the theme of nuclear security and women’s leadership. In 2024, the fellows made significant strides in advancing nuclear security and nonproliferation, as a result of the month they spent abroad conducting research and receiving specialized training at Nuklear Malaysia, the RCA Regional Office (RCARO), and the World Institute for Nuclear Security (WINS).

Their capstone projects, listed below, reflect a deep commitment to addressing critical challenges in nuclear science and policy.

Regulatory Considerations for Strengthening the Nuclear Safety and Security Culture in the Philippines, by Ma. Elina Salvacion Kristina V. Ramo

Ms. Ramo is a Senior Science Research Specialist at the Philippines Nuclear Research Institute. Currently, she is involved in human resource development for regulatory staff and has great interest in human and organizational aspects that can improve organizational performance. Ms. Ramo has a bachelor’s degree in Physics and a Master’s degree in Medical Physics.    

Enhancing Security Personnel Vigilance in Yogyakarta Nuclear Facility Complex, by Anindya Drysca Kurniasari

Ms. Kurniasari is currently in her fourth year at the Yogyakarta Nuclear Complex, working as a Nuclear Security Officer at the Kartini research reactor. In addition to her normal responsibilities, she participates in physical protection system testing and nuclear security drills to enhance our preparedness and ensure strategies for actual security events. As part of her organization’s commitment to nuclear security, Ms. Kurniasari regularly promotes security culture throughout the facility.

Radiological Emergency Response during RAM Transport Incidents and/or Accidents: An Overview of Challenges and Opportunities in Southeast Asia, by Alfitri Meliana

Ms. Meliana is a Junior Nuclear Engineer at the Serpong Nuclear Laboratory, part of the Directorate of Laboratory Management, Research Facilities, and Science and Technology Park under the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) in Indonesia. Since joining in 2019, she has specialized in industrial radiography testing and holds a Radiation Protection Safety Officer license. With a background in Nuclear Chemical Engineering, Ms. Meliana plays a key role in supporting nuclear security research, ensuring the safe and secure handling of radioactive materials, particularly during transport.

Nuclear Forensics Capabilities, by Nurul Ilyani Binti Zaharudin

Ms. Ilyani earned her Master of Science degree in Nuclear Technology from Chulalongkorn University in Thailand and Bachelor of Science with Honors in Nuclear Science from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. She is a World Institute for Nuclear Security (WINS) Academy Ambassador and a Certified Nuclear Security Professional in Nuclear Security Incident Management and Nuclear Security for Scientists, Technicians and Engineers by WINS Academy. Ms. Ilyani serves as a facilitator for UM STEM Center and actively promotes STEM education in her community.

Insider Threats to Security in Nuclear Plants, by Charu Sharma

Ms. Sharma is pursuing a Ph.D in nuclear science, focusing on the effects of nuclear radiation on electronic devices, particularly for nuclear power plant safety at Homi Bhabha National Institute, India. As a Robin Copeland Memorial Fellow, she is affiliated with WINS, where she strengthens her leadership in nuclear security. During this fellowship, she attended the “International Best Practices on Mitigating the Cyber Insider Threat in the Nuclear Sector” workshop and the IAEA General Conference. Ms. Sharma completed a nuclear security training program sponsored by the CRDF Global, U.S. Department of State and NSSPI, covering nuclear security culture, insider threats, and risk analysis and is actively contributing to international nuclear related initiatives.

CRDF Global wishes to congratulate and thank the 2024 cohort of RCMF Fellows and thank the Carnegie Corporation of New York for their support of the RCMF. If you are an early or mid-career woman professional in the nuclear field, please keep an eye out for call for proposals for the next iteration of the Robin Copeland Memorial Fellowship.  If you are an institution interested in hosting future RCMF fellows, please contact CopelandFellowship@crdfglobal.org.