ROSEMEAD, CA: “Work hard, decide what you want and work to get there.” That’s the advice chemist Kathleen Yhip gives young girls who are interested in careers in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.
Yhip, the technical assistant to the site vice president at Southern California Edison (SCE)’s San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, tells girls not to wait for permission to succeed in the STEM fields. That advice has held true for Yhip who has worked at the San Onofre nuclear power plant since 1984, starting as a chemistry technician.
Since then, Yhip has risen through the ranks as a chemistry engineer and the chemistry environmental engineering supervisor, a position she held from 1987 to 1992. Prior to her current role, Yhip was a senior project manager in nuclear regulatory affairs for the nuclear plant from 1992 to 2008, responsible for developing technical positions and compliance with environmental requirements. Along the way, she has been involved with the Nuclear Energy Institute, the Electric Power and Research Institute, the Health Physics Society and the American Nuclear Society.
As SCE celebrates Women’s History Month in March and Diversity Month in April, Yhip is being honored as a role model for young women.
“Kathleen Yhip is an outstanding role model for young women who dream of success in the STEM fields,” said Doug Bauder, SCE vice president and station manager. “She reminds us that women can reach the pinnacle of scientific achievement and excel in fields that have been traditionally male-dominated.”
During her career at the San Onofre nuclear plant, Yhip has worked with representatives from 103 other U.S. nuclear plants, sharing experiences on strategic planning, business planning and hazard response and with various state and federal entities on policy issues.
“We are constantly learning new things and developing ways to improve ourselves and our industry,” said Yhip. “The ability to learn and challenge myself keeps me motivated.”
Yhip has always given back to local nonprofit organizations, making time to volunteer on the board of the Gay and Lesbian Community Services Center of Orange County. She is also active in the breast cancer fight as a volunteer for Susan G. Komen for the Cure Orange County.
Of Chinese and Indian descent, Yhip was born in the Bahamas to parents from Guyana. Her parents pushed her to study the sciences, encouraging extra homework assignments. “They set the pattern for my life,” said Yhip. She later graduated from the Florida Institute of Technology.
Yhip remains thankful to her mentors. “Nuclear power plants are a male-dominated workplace, but there have been a lot of changes since 1980,” she said. “I am lucky to have a manager who mentored women and facilitated our professional growth.”
While Yhip admits that her focus for 2013 will be improving her work and home life balance, she says having the encouragement of family has been critical to her success.
For girls looking to follow in her footsteps in the field of nuclear energy, Yhip says maintaining the highest level of integrity is crucial.
“Establish your own standards and stick to them,” she said. “And don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t or you shouldn’t.”
India Post News Service
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