Alan’s fascination with nuclear energy can be traced back to his high school chemistry class, when his teacher debunked common misconceptions about nuclear power popularized by The Simpsons. He didn’t know it yet, but these lessons would stick with him throughout his education and into his professional career. 
As Deputy Director for Nuclear for Third Way’s Climate and Energy Program, Alan communicates the importance of nuclear energy to US economic, climate, and national security interests and the critical role nuclear energy will play in domestic and international decarbonization strategies. He also helps demonstrate the economic benefits that investment in existing and advanced nuclear reactors offer for communities across the nation in the form of good-paying, often union jobs. 
Alan earned his B.S. in International Political Economy from Georgetown University and his Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy (MALD) from the Fletcher School at Tufts University. Before joining Third Way, Alan spent 10 years as the Director of Programs and Communication at the Global America Business Institute (GABI), where he managed research and policy dialogues on a range of clean energy issues. His principal focus at GABI was nuclear energy, with an emphasis on the value of innovation and international cooperation in advancing robust development and use of nuclear science and technology worldwide. During his time at GABI, he helped convene a variety of stakeholders across different industries to foster multinational and industry collaboration on nuclear energy. 
When not working on climate change and other matters of global significance, Alan can be found helping the local ecosystem by angling for invasive fish species, a pastime he picked up during quarantine. Originally from Los Angeles, Alan is a long-suffering Raiders fan and now lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, son, daughter, and Pomeranian, Meemo.

Alan ahn web

Alan Ahn

Ryan's curiosity in science and energy started with early childhood Star Trek: TNG marathons with his mother and grew to a fully formed fascination with energy systems and how dynamic they can be. As he attended university, he gained a deeper understanding of the technical and political contexts that make energy innovation nationally vital and began studying how we might turn science fiction into the real thing. This curiosity and a desire to advance change on a global scale led him to continue studies in global affairs and environmental policy. Ryan graduated from Rutgers University in 2019 and began working in civic engagement and education before cementing his shift into climate advocacy.As an educator in New Jersey, he demonstrated an ability to shape narrative and connect the importance of subject matter to the need for engagement. He then transitioned to organizing advocates from intersectional communities in the fight for climate action. Across this stream of work, he focused on efforts to support environmental justice polices, educate communities on the impacts of energy producers, and promote broad support for investments in clean energy. As Senior Policy Advisor for Climate and Energy Finance, Ryan leads Third Way's work to drive public and private investment in clean energy and climate technologies by highlighting the immense economic, climate, and national security interests that are at stake domestically and globally.When he isn't deep diving into a new book on energy policy or climate finance, Ryan is usually checking out a new film, writing and recording new music, or trying to stay active.

Ryan Norman

Rowen has always loved learning about the natural world and how humans fit into it, which meant it was a perfect match when she first had the chance to learn about nuclear energy in college. Having gotten her start in the field working on nuclear nonproliferation, Rowen now applies that knowledge and her interest in the intersection of technology and policy to her role as Policy Advisor on Third Way's Nuclear Energy team. She supports Third Way's efforts to research and advocate for sustainable, effective advanced nuclear deployment to contribute to global decarbonization efforts.Before joining Third Way, Rowen managed international capacity-building projects on nuclear security and infrastructural needs for deploying advanced and small modular reactors at CRDF Global. Her project management work there was informed by her time at the Stimson Center, where she conducted research on spent fuel management, international safeguards, nuclear security, and other topics related to WMD nonproliferation. While there, Rowen also researched the potential impacts of advanced non-light water reactors on management and safeguards approaches for spent fuel. Rowen earned a BA in Political Science and Chinese from Middlebury College.When not talking about her favorite nuclear energy topics, Rowen likes to swim, play with her dog, and try all of the noodles in the DC area.

Rowen Price

Welcome to Nuclear Energy 101! Third Way’s ongoing series of entry-level explainers, backgrounders, and fact-sheets on the most pressing topics in nuclear energy policy. Interested in advanced nuclear but new to the scene? We’ve got you covered.  Next-generation nuclear reactors are swiftly approaching demonstration and deployment in America, with several plants set to come online by the early 2030s. Advanced reactors are an emerging clean energy asset that will provide secure, reliable power, create good-paying jobs, and breathe new life into our energy communities.Congress has played a major role in the development of new nuclear—from public investments in reactor demonstration programs to expanding domestic nuclear fuel production capacity—the US has taken massive strides forward in accelerating the deployment of innovative nuclear technologies.Periodically, we’ll update this page with new products that help you fill in the knowledge gaps and navigate the broad world of nuclear energy policy.

Nuclear Energy 101

Nuclear Energy 101

Nuclear Fuel 101: Front-End Processes, Prospects, and Policy

Nuclear Waste 101: What Do We Do With Used Nuclear Fuel?

New Nuclear Reactor Licensing 101

Nuclear Reactor Exports 101