E. Gail de Planque
Consutlant
Nominated by: Jill S. Tietjen
Excerpt from nomination: "Dr. de Planque's early research centered around experimental and theoretical investigations involving the applications of basic physics of radiation interactions with matter to problems of radiation protection. Her areas of specialty at the Department of Energy's Environmenal Measurements Laboratory included solid-state dosimetry, radiation transport and shielding, environmental radiation, nuclear facilities monitoring, and problems of reactor and personnel dosimetry. Efforts in thermoluminescent dosimetry, especially related to environmental radiation studies and nuclear power plant monitoring, established the Environmental Measurements Laboratory in New York as one of the world's leading authorities in the field. Her activities include extensive participation in standards management and development, both nationally and internationally; organizations of international conferences and intercomparisons, and scientific publications and presentations.
Later, Dr. de Planque became Director of the Laboratory, which is particularly renowned for its long-standing global radiation fallout programs, as well as research on radon, radiation dosimetry, radiation problems associated with nuclear facilities and weapons testing; pollutant studies related to global climate change, ecology and subsurface contamination; environmental restoration and waste management; and quality assurance.
Her expertise led, in 1991, to a presidential appointment (with Senate confirmation) as a Commissioner of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, a position she held until 1995. The NRC is responsible for licensing and regulating nuclear facilities and materials and conducting research in support of licensing and regulatory process. These responsibilities include protecting public health and safety; protecting the environment; protecting and safeguarding materials and plants in the interest of national security; and assessing conformity with antitrust laws. Agency functions are performed through standards-setting and rulemaking; technical reviews and studies; conduct of public hearings; issuance of authorizations, permits and licenses; inspection, investigation, and enforcement; evaluation of the operating experience; and confirmatory research ...
Throughout her career, Dr. de Planque has had to function in environment [sic] where there were almost no women. When she joined the board of Northeast Utilities, it was the first time in her life that she had ever taken a position where she wasn't the first and only woman."
Biography: Currently president, Strategy Matters, Inc. and director, Energy Strategists Consultancy , Ltd., E. Gail de Planque served as a commissioner with the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission from 1991 to 1995. Before that she was the director of the Department of Energyıs Environmental Measurements Laboratory in New York City. A physicist by profession, she has authored over 65 scientific publications and has given numerous scientific and policy lectures both in the U.S. and abroad. She is a fellow and past president of the American Nuclear Society, a member of the National Academy of Engineering and the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, president of the International Nuclear Societies Council and secretary of the International Nuclear Energy Academy. Dr. de Planque currently serves as a member of the board of trustees of Northeast Utilities, the board of directors of British Nuclear Fuels, Inc., the external advisory committee of the Amarillo National Resource Center for Plutonium, the visiting Committee for the Department of Nuclear Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Diablo Canyon Independent Safety Commission, and the TU Electric Operations Review Committee. She is a consultant to various corporations and the United Nationıs International Atomic Energy Agency.
