09/01/2026
Fusion energy isn’t just a technology conversation. It’s a workforce conversation.
On Monday, August 31, NWIRC Executive Director Diane Kamionka joined leaders at Washington State Fusion Week for a panel on Workforce Education and Engagement: Fusion Fuels.
Alongside Tiexecina Narine of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Carli Smith of Kyoto Fusioneering, and Sunil Acharya of Ansys, Diane discussed an important piece of Washington’s growing fusion ecosystem: How do we prepare people, businesses, and communities to participate in this emerging industry?
For NWIRC, that question is especially relevant in Northwest Washington. Our region already has deep expertise across advanced manufacturing, aerospace, maritime, engineering, and other industries with skills that can transfer into the fusion supply chain.
Earlier this year, NWIRC partnered with CleanTech Alliance to bring the fusion conversation directly to our region. Today’s panel was another opportunity to keep building those connections statewide.
The technology may be cutting-edge. But building the industry will ultimately depend on people — and making sure our workforce and manufacturers can see where they fit.
