Women @ Energy: Dr. Carrie Farberow

Carrie Farberow is a research engineer in the Heterogeneous Catalysis for Thermochemical Conversion group in the National Bioenergy Center at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). In her current role, Carrie works with an interdisciplinary team of chemists and engineers to develop improved catalyst materials for the production of fuels and chemicals from biomass and waste resources. The design of more active and selective catalysts for these conversion processes reduces their energy intensity and is key to improving their economic viability. Her expertise and contributions to the team are focused in experimental reaction kinetics, quantum chemical calculations that leverage high performance computing systems, and kinetic and microkinetic modeling. Carrie received her bachelor of science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma and worked as a Process Engineer at Chevron Phillips Chemical Company prior to completing her doctorate in Chemical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin - Madison.

I was lucky enough to have an exceptional chemistry teacher in high school who made the challenging coursework fun. Before that, I always enjoyed math and, more generally, solving puzzles. I love that moment when a difficult topic finally clicks. Based on my academic interests, science or engineering seemed like a natural fit when I was choosing a major in college. After I completed my bachelor’s degree, I found that my longer-term career interest was to continue solving challenging science problems through research. Renewable energy research, in particular, offered a desirable opportunity to work on topics I found interesting and apply my efforts toward impacting our world in a positive way.

I genuinely enjoy coming to work each day because I get to solve challenging, important, and impactful problems with a team of incredibly smart and creative individuals. After years of paying student loans, I feel fortunate to get paid to continue learning. I like that I have the opportunity to dream up and propose my own ideas and then try them out using state-of-the-art tools and facilities. We often have the opportunity to publish our research results, and I think it’s great to have the freedom to share what I’ve been working on so that others can build off of it to further advance the field. More recently, having a daughter has really solidified my motivation to work on transformative technologies for renewable energy since it’s work that can help leave a better planet for her.

Just like in scientific research, we need to get creative and approach these multifaceted challenges from many different directions. I try to be seen and heard, including through opportunities such as this Women @ Energy profile, because it is important that young people see diversity and people like them in STEM careers. Having more women at the table (or in the lab!) reduces feelings of being an outsider, which can impact performance and retention. We need to guarantee everyone a safe and comfortable work environment, which means crafting and enforcing policies to provide a workplace free of harassment. Allowing for flexible work arrangements for men and women makes it possible for dual-career couples to balance parenthood and career aspirations. Providing training and engaging in thoughtful discussions can help us all acknowledge policies and biases that negatively impact women and underrepresented groups and work to rectify those we can and mitigate the impacts of those that are more ingrained in our broader culture. These are just the ideas I have; I’m sure there are many more out there!

Get involved in research early. Working with a professor as an undergraduate research assistant during college is a great way to find out if you enjoy doing research while gaining relevant experience that will help you get into a good graduate program or even get a job in industry should you decide graduate school is not for you. I was surprised to see a high school student volunteering in the lab that I worked in during graduate school. It made me realize there are opportunities out there even if you lack experience. You just have to ask, be enthusiastic, and be ready to learn. Research is very different than completing homework and tests. The answers to questions in research are no longer available in textbooks and creativity is key.

Most of my free time is spent enjoying all that Colorado has to offer with my husband, daughter, and our dog. I enjoy skiing, relaxing in Denver’s city parks or in the mountains, and biking around town. I also enjoy traveling to and exploring new places.

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