Chad Hopponen
About Chad Hopponen
Chad Hopponen is a Nuclear Scientist and Health Physicist with extensive experience in radiation safety and quality assurance. He has worked at various institutions, including the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and the United States Navy, and holds multiple academic qualifications in the field.
Work at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Chad Hopponen has been employed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) since 2020, where he serves as a Nuclear Scientist and Health Physicist. His role involves applying his expertise in health physics to ensure safety and compliance in nuclear-related activities. Prior to his current position, he worked at LLNL as a Health Physicist from 2016 to 2020. During this time, he contributed to various projects focused on radiation safety and risk assessment.
Education and Expertise
Chad Hopponen has a diverse educational background in health physics and related fields. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Hawaii Pacific University, followed by a Master's degree from Oregon State University. Additionally, he obtained a Graduate Certificate from The University of Dallas. His studies at Los Medanos Community College and NNPS further enhanced his knowledge in the field. This educational foundation supports his work as a Nuclear Scientist and Health Physicist.
Background in the United States Navy
Chad Hopponen served in the United States Navy from 1993 to 2002, where he held positions as a RadCon Technician, LELT, and Ships Diver. His experience in the Navy provided him with practical skills in radiation control and safety protocols, which are essential in his subsequent roles in health physics. This nine-year tenure laid the groundwork for his career in nuclear science.
Professional Experience at Mirion Technologies
Chad Hopponen worked at Mirion Technologies (GDS), Inc. from 2008 to 2016, where he held multiple positions including Technical Specialist and Quality Assurance Manager. His responsibilities included overseeing quality assurance processes and providing technical support in health physics applications. Prior to that, he served as a Jurisdictional Inspector II at FM Global from 2002 to 2008, where he focused on compliance and safety inspections.