Mary Fran Reed PhD

Mary Fran Reed, PhD, is a nuclear scientist, educator, and advocate for sustainable energy solutions with a career that bridges groundbreaking research, public service, and a passion for global exploration. Her early fascination with science was sparked by summers spent as a Radiochemistry Technician at the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory, where her father worked as a technical writer. This foundation led her to the University of California at Berkeley, where she earned her doctorate in nuclear chemistry while researching nuclear reaction mechanisms. 

Reed began her academic career teaching chemistry at the University of Kentucky and later, as a certified Nuclear Medicine Physicist, instructed medical residents in the physics underlying nuclear medicine. Her academic contributions included numerous research presentations and papers published in respected journals. She subsequently transitioned to a pivotal role as Chief of Nuclear Power Plant Planning with the California Office of Emergency Services, where she led efforts to ensure public safety by coordinating emergency planning among local, state, and federal agencies, as well as plant operators.

Reed’s scientific expertise is complemented by her adventurous spirit. A lifelong sailor, she and her husband completed a circumnavigation of the globe, visiting 42 countries and documenting their experiences. These reflections inspired her book Dreaming of Ocean Cruising? Sailing off into the Sunset? What You Ought to Know! using a pen name, and she plans for three more volumes in the series recounting their remarkable journey.

Her latest book, ATOMIC GREEN: Nuclear Power Can Stop Climate Change, combines her technical acumen with her commitment to combating climate change. With urgency and clarity, Reed dismantles misconceptions about nuclear energy, showcasing its potential as a safe, scalable solution to global warming. Through compelling arguments and accessible science, she empowers readers to embrace informed choices for a sustainable future.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mary Fran Reed is a storyteller who blends science, adventure, and a deep-seated belief in humanity’s ability to tackle the climate crisis. Her latest work is a call to action for policymakers, environmentalists, and general readers alike to explore innovative solutions and secure the future of our planet.