Featured Alumni- Katie Duncan

Katie, a University of Tennessee Grad, is working in Washington DC at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) as a uranium expert supporting the nation's nuclear stockpile. She is working to re-establish depleted uranium manufacturing processes that are required for projected needs in nuclear weapons. NNSA interviewed Katie for their Women in Defense Programs series in September. Click HERE to read the full article about her challenging but fascinating work!

Katie is a 2014 graduate of CAK. She said, "I will always reflect fondly on my time at CAK. One of my favorite memories is the semi-final football game against Alcoa in November 2011. My brother, Reece, was the kicker on the football team. The game-winning field goal was intense and exciting." Even now, Katie and the friends that she made when she came to CAK in 5th grade have a group text they consistently use to keep in touch with each other. They attend each other's weddings and enjoy visiting all the new cities they have moved to. Katie said, "what a gift it has been to grow up with such wonderful people and continue to cultivate those friendships in adulthood." When Reece passed away suddenly in August of 2014, Katie's time at CAK became an even more coveted chapter in her life. "The community of parents, students, coaches, and teachers rallied behind me and my parents as we learned to navigate our new normal. I cherish the place and people at CAK that made me so much of who I am today, and for that, I will always be grateful," said Katie.

This piece was originally shared in our Alumni newsletter on October 1st, 2022.