2025 NAYGN Q1 Excellence Award Winner Biographies

Harjyot Kaur (Chalk River)

Since joining the nuclear industry in Fall 2024, Harjyot has taken on a leadership role as Communications Chair for the NAYGN Chalk River Chapter, where she revitalized the chapter’s newsletter and social media with fresh energy and creativity. She has also contributed at the continental level by supporting the NAYGN Communications Team, playing a key role in producing the monthly newsletter and enhancing broader engagement across the organization.

Brittany Cole (Chalk River)

Brittany has served as the Professional Development Chair for the NAYGN Chalk River Chapter since September 2022, playing a key role in expanding the chapter’s professional development offerings. She has organized a diverse range of webinars on topics such as professional licensing, advanced education, leadership, and technical subjects, including the chapter’s most well-attended session with nearly 350 registrants. Brittany’s passion for developing future nuclear leaders and her dedication to high-impact programming have made her an invaluable asset to the chapter.

Jordan Knerr (Westinghouse Columbia)

Jordan Knerr has been the driving force behind the NAYGN Westinghouse–Columbia Chapter, leading with dedication and resilience through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the transition back to in-person engagement. His leadership has resulted in impactful events such as the Boy & Girl Scout Nuclear Merit Badge Workshop, successful chapter elections, support for the VEX Robotics Competition, and initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion. Jordan’s long-standing commitment, passion for outreach, and efforts to sustain and grow the chapter have made a lasting impact, making him a deserving nominee for the Q1 2025 Excellence Award.

Crystal Bowers, Davaughn McAnuff, and Ershaud Naderi (Duke Energy McGuire)

The Duke Energy McGuire (MNS) NAYGN Chapter Officers—Crystal Bowers, Davaughn McAnuff, and Ershaud Naderi—have demonstrated outstanding leadership in advancing NAYGN’s mission through impactful professional development, outreach, and networking initiatives in Q1 2025. Their “Good Neighbor Campaign” included school visits, college partnerships, and educational content aimed at humanizing the nuclear industry and inspiring the next generation. With seven events executed—up from one in the previous year—the chapter has significantly increased engagement and visibility, while also planning a robust lineup of future activities to continue their momentum.

Nicholas Mercer (Westinghouse Rock Hill)

Nicholas Mercer has served as the Events Chair for the Westinghouse Rock Hill Chapter over the past year, successfully driving an 80% chapter participation rate in Q1 events. He led four community service initiatives supporting the Rock Hill and Charlotte areas, including food distribution with Rice and Beans and aid preparation with Hope of Rock Hill. Nicholas’s leadership and commitment to service exemplify the values of NAYGN and make him a strong candidate for the Q1 award.

Megan Groves (ENERCON West)

Megan has played a pivotal role in revitalizing the West Region, serving as the local organizer for the recent West Region Conference where she coordinated a Diablo Canyon tour, a nuclear trivia night, and a social event at a local arcade. She successfully secured participation from key groups including CalPoly, PG&E, and Mothers for Nuclear, ensuring strong local support and attendance. Additionally, Megan has organized various events across the region, such as shore cleanups, trivia nights, and tours of SONGS decommissioning and the UCI TRIGA reactor.

Ty Holderbaum (Sargent & Lundy Charlotte)

Ty has shown exceptional dedication to the awards committee by volunteering to draft and refine rubrics that enhanced voting clarity and efficiency, with his work serving as a foundation for future improvements. Ty also led the innovative “Puck, Pups, and Professional Connections” event, which combined social engagement, public outreach, and professional development in a family- and pet-friendly setting. This event successfully fostered community, raised awareness about nuclear science, and strengthened networking and mentorship opportunities, embodying the core mission and values of NAYGN.