Valerie G. Segovia, Ed.D.
Director, Nuclear Power Institute
Email: vsegovia@tamu.edu
Dr. Valerie G. Segovia is the Director of the Nuclear Power Institute (NPI). As NPI Director, she creates, manages, and directs programming focused on the NPI workforce development mission while supervising NPI staff.
Segovia began her career with NPI almost two decades ago and has created impactful programs that have been implemented across the State of Texas, including two NPI flagship programs, the Powerful Opportunities for Women Eager and Ready for Science, Engineering, and Technology (POWER SET) and the Workforce Industry Training (WIT). Traditionally, only 15%-17% of U.S. high school graduates pursue a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) college degree. However, under Segovia’s leadership, an average of 75%-80% of graduating high school students who participated in NPI programs have pursued a STEM degree over the past decade. Under Dr. Segovia’s 2021-2022 leadership and management, 5,588 students became members of NPI programs with 39,351 STEM engagements. She is also an author, a content creator, producer, and host of the NPI podcast, “The Path of Most Persistence.”
Dr. Segovia holds a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, two master’s degrees: in counseling and administration and supervision, and a doctorate in educational leadership.
Yazmin Esqueda
Business Coordinator II, Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station
Email: esquedajy17@tamu.edu
Howdy! My name is Yazmin Esqueda. I am a graduate of Texas A&M University and recently joined the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station Fiscal Office. I am thrilled to support the efforts of the Nuclear Engineering and Science Center and the Nuclear Power Institute. I strongly believe that the work the team does daily has a huge impact on the industry and most importantly on the leaders of tomorrow. I feel very lucky to have joined such a wonderful team!
Some hobbies of mine include reading, spending time outdoors, and learning new skills.
Adrianna Olney
Program Specialist III, Nuclear Power Institute
Email: aolney@tamu.edu
Howdy! My name is Adrianna Olney and I am excited to join the NPI team, January 2022, as a Program Specialist III . I graduated from Sam Houston State University with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and have been teaching for the past year and a half. I have a true passion for education and am thrilled to be able to share that with the NPI team. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, hunsband, and puppies.
Renika Derry
Program Specialist III, Nuclear Power Institute
Email: derry2011@tamu.edu
Howdy! My name is Renika Derry, and I’m happy to be a part of the NPI team. I graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor of Science in Management. I know the importance of partnering with colleagues to increase learning opportunities. I aspire to establish trustworthiness with the individuals I serve and my peers. I am honored to be a part of the team at the Nuclear Power Institute. Hobbies I enjoy consist of shopping, fishing, cooking, and spending time with my family.