WSUV Alumna Reflects on Nuclear Weapons Abolition Program as WSU Expands its Nuclear Energy Efforts

Courtney Boswell, December 2025 WSUV Psychology graduate, currently works with the Collective for Social and Environmental Justice at the university.   

In August, she participated in the 2026 Dr. David Hall Emerging Leaders in Nuclear Weapons Abolition Program, which was a ten-day educational excursion focused on the impacts of nuclear weapons.  

Hosted by Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility, the program included training at the Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action in Kitsap County, Washington, and a trip to Hiroshima, Japan. “Both places were very impactful,” said Boswell.   

According to Boswell, the trip began with two days at the Ground Zero Center, where participants learned about the history of nuclear weapons and “the history of people using their voice to abolish it.” Participants also spoke with advocates and members of previous cohorts who are against the use of nuclear weapons. “It was like two days of just learning and understanding.”   

The group then traveled to Hiroshima, where participants met with atomic bomb survivors, known as Hibakusha, and heard from individuals and their family members about their experiences with nuclear weapons and “how their lives were forever changed and will continue to be changed.” Boswell said that this “was so emotional. It was something that I almost can’t put into words.”   

Another part of the program was attending the memorial ceremony to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the atomic bomb dropping in Hiroshima, which is a somber day when “many people pay their respects.” Said Boswell.   

While explaining the impact of the program and the knowledge she gained, Boswell said that it was an “out-of-body experience.”   

“For me, the whole journey was educational. Every day was different.”  

An element of this program is that participants are required to provide a project to the community to report on what they learned from the trip. Later this September, Boswell plans to do a presentation at WSUV to talk about her experience.   

For those who are interested in attending Boswell’s presentation, the Collective for Social and Environmental Justice’s website will have updates on the date, time, and location of the event, as these details are currently tentative.   

“I don’t expect it to be perfect. I don’t expect it to really show how impactful the trip was,” Boswell said. “But I can do my best to kind of spread that awareness.”  

Boswell said her interest in the program was connected to her background in psychology and her interest in mental health and trauma. “I can understand how something as catastrophic as a nuclear bomb being dropped on a place can affect generations of people.”  

Boswell also said her experience with this program deepened her views on nuclear weapons and reinforced her support for abolition.  

“I view nuclear weapons as just something that we need to abolish and reform and really understand the gravity of the device and the destruction it can cause…nuclear weapons have done a lot of damage, and we’re seeing it still generationally.”   

Boswell’s experience comes as WSU expands its involvement in nuclear energy education and workforce development.  

In May, WSU announced a $1.4 million U.S. Department of Energy grant for its Reactor Ready initiative. WSU is matching the grant, bringing the total investment to $2.8 million. The program is designed to train students and workers for careers in nuclear energy.  

The initiative will involve WSU Pullman, Tri-Cities, and Spokane campuses, as well as partners including Columbia Basin College and Energy Northwest. WSU’s announcement shared that the program will include new courses, short-term training programs, and stackable credentials.  

WSU explained that the initiative is intended to help address workforce needs in the nuclear energy industry as older workers retire and the demand for workers increases.  

While nuclear weapons and nuclear energy are two different applications of nuclear technology, Boswell said that “we have to educate ourselves on both,” as they each carry a lot of weight.   

When asked if WSU’s efforts to invest in the nuclear energy sector is compatible with the objectives of the nuclear weapon abolition movement, Boswell said, “I don’t think they’re 100 percent on the same page…they might be two different sides of the argument and because of that, I think more conversations need to be had [about] understanding both sides, but also coming to agreement of what’s safest, less harmful and what can protect everybody.”   

Boswell expressed that she was concerned about WSU’s investment in expanding nuclear energy training. She believes the university could redirect the resources being invested in the nuclear industry into student and faculty needs, such as resources for student clubs, food on campus, and parking costs.  

“I think the funds that are getting matched could be used a lot better…it’s really disheartening to hear the amount of money and just people agreeing with using the money in that way.” Boswell said.  

Boswell also said universities have a responsibility to educate students about the potential benefits and harms associated with the industries they prepare students to enter.  

“I think the school, the campus, [and] education as a whole should really educate on the pros and cons of any career, any job, and the harm that could be done,” Boswell said.  

For students, Boswell encourages and wants them to research any topics they are unfamiliar with and seek out educational opportunities on campus.  

“Get comfortable with understanding the uncomfortable things,” Boswell said.  

For Boswell, her experience with the David Hall Emerging Leaders in Nuclear Weapons Abolition Program reinforced the importance she places on education, awareness, and peace. “Less harm, no weapons, more peace…peace matters.”