Office of the Vice-President, Research welcomes new Manager, Strategic Nuclear Initiatives

The Office of the Vice-President, Research (OVPR) is pleased to announce that Nikki Walton has joined the OVPR as Manager, Strategic Nuclear Initiatives.

The new role is designed to advance McMaster’s initiatives in nuclear research, education, industry service, outreach and organization development, working closely with the assistant vice-president, research (nuclear), Dave Tucker.

Tucker says it’s an extremely important time for McMaster’s nuclear enterprise, with an increased focus on partnership development and expanded mandates for nuclear research, operations and commercial activities.

“Nikki’s energy and experience in policy and strategic management, and her expertise in stakeholder and government relations will be extremely valuable as we continue to work with our key partners to advance clean energy, materials science and medical isotopes and contribute to Canada’s nuclear future,” he says.

Before joining the OVPR, Walton worked as a Public Affairs Advisor at McMaster, where she was responsible for maximizing opportunities for several University-based programs – including the McMaster Nuclear Reactor – and for performing strategic advocacy at the federal and provincial levels of government, as well as monitoring policy changes and developing key messages for internal and external stakeholders.

“It’s an exciting time for nuclear both at McMaster and for the country as a whole, and I’m looking forward to building relationships with our stakeholders to support the University’s growing nuclear research and training programs,” says Walton.

Walton will support multiple projects within the nuclear portfolio, including the establishment of a cross-faculty medical isotope research institute, the development of McMaster’s micro-reactor feasibility study, and the pursuit of new nuclear research and education partnerships with industry and academic leaders.

Walton can be reached at walton3@mcmaster.ca.

Learn more about Nuclear @ McMaster.