Jan L. Bostelman, P.E., PMP, of Brainard, Nebraska, is a licensed professional engineer with over 35 years of experience in the nuclear industry, safety and material assessments, application to materials systems reliability, nuclear reactor systems process, licensing, analytical modeling, and computer code utilization.
She is also a licensed professional metallurgical engineer in several states. Bostelman joined the Nebraska Board of Engineers and Architects in 2017, and she served as the Board Chair in 2020.
“My background in a heavily regulated and compliance-driven industry affords me the opportunity and insight to serve on a board such as this,” Bostelman said.
With an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and extensive graduate work completed in metallurgical engineering from UNL and nuclear and chemical engineering from the University of New Mexico, Bostelman has an accomplished past.
She also worked with the University of Mexico on tasks related to groundwater remediation, and she evaluated high-level radioactive waste storage for commercial nuclear at the Yucca Mountain facility.
More of her expertise includes developing the reactor safety system, performance analysis methodologies, design and storage reactor of fuel, and public policy related to the nuclear industry. She has worked with federal and state regulators across the United States and overseas.
“Lately, I have been called upon to perform complex calculations for radiological engineering, which is an offshoot of nuclear engineering to assist in predicting consequences for emergency planning of utility organizations,” Bostelman said. “My engineering background has had to grow considerably to keep pace with innovations in how we approach either material testing or even computational predictions.”
Bostelman is also involved in the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), Examinations for Professionals Engineers (EPE) Committee that oversees exam development. Since August 2020, Bostelman is the NCEES Assistant Vice President for the Central Zone. She also served on the committee that reviewed the 2021 Student Engineering projects for the NCEES Engineering Education Awards.
Outside of her professional work and involvement, Bostelman is an active community member and educator. From 2012 to 2018, Bostelman served on the East Butler Board of Education, and from 2012 to 2015, she served on the Butler County 4H Council as a treasurer.
She frequently volunteers for the St. John Luther Church food pantry. In addition, she weekly volunteers for another food pantry in Schuyler, Nebraska, which serves about 50 families a week.
Bostelman has served as a tutor at MATHCOUNTS, a nationwide middle school mathematics competition sponsored by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). Through the program, she aims to increase students' interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. For over 20 years, she coached youth soccer teams, such as YMCA, the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), and Club. She was a YMCA fitness instructor for 8 years.
Currently, she is an adjunct instructor at Southeast Community College in Milford, Nebraska, where she teaches nuclear and components classes.
As a Board Member, an active community member, and an accomplished professional, Bostelman strives to bring a new perspective and open discussion without compromising public safety as the first priority.
“The motivation for serving is driven by a desire to work with the Board to pay it forward,” Bostelman said. “I look forward to listening and being open to changes that may be needed. “