Women @ Energy: Dr. Bethany Frew

Bethany Frew is a senior researcher in the Strategic Energy Analysis Center at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). She joined NREL in 2014 as a postdoctoral researcher after completing her master’s degree and Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering at Stanford University. Bethany builds and uses computational models to help determine how to most economically and reliably build and operate the power system. She works on projects that evaluate futures with very high penetrations of wind, solar, and storage, and she has a strong focus on wholesale electricity markets. She was recently elected to the Energy Systems Integration Group (ESIG) Board of Directors, where she plays an active role in organizing early-career and diversity activities. Bethany earned a bachelor’s degree in Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering from Ohio State University, during which time she interned at the Battelle Memorial Institute to work on environmental restoration projects.

I grew up on a family farm in eastern Ohio. I developed a love for the land and an innate desire to help improve our environment. I became increasingly interested in sustainability and renewable energy during high school and college. Combined with my love of math and science and my inquisitive nature, environmental engineering was a strong option for me – and it ultimately was the career path I chose. There were many mentors and advisers along the way who encouraged and inspired me in this journey; and I am forever grateful to them. Ann Christy, my undergraduate research adviser at Ohio State, was arguably my strongest champion and inspiration during my formative years.

The mission and opportunity for real-world impact are what attracted me to NREL, and these aspects continue to excite me the most about my work. Equally – if not more – important, I work with an INCREDIBLE group of researchers. They are smart, hard-working, and passionate about the work that we do at NREL. My colleagues and teammates make work even more rewarding.

I believe there is power in believing that you belong and are valued. Programs that support inclusivity can go a long way in encouraging the next generation of women and underrepresented groups to not only make their way to the table but to know that a spot for them exists and that they are welcome. I believe this requires a workplace culture shift where we all become more mindful of how our words and actions impact others. It also means that greater priority is given to providing mentoring and similar support systems.

Never stop learning. Seek to understand and not just gather information. This applies not only to students in the classroom setting but also in the workplace. I would strongly encourage those looking to enter the energy field to get as much real-world experience as possible – internships, job shadowing, etc.

I am fortunate to live at the base of the Rocky Mountains. I love hiking and try to summit as many mountains as possible during the summer months. I enjoy gardening and have a large backyard garden, berry patch, and grape orchard from which I harvest and preserve. I also volunteer weekly at a local women’s halfway house and with my church.

Learn more about our programs & resources for women and girls in STEM at /women