Women @ Energy: Rui Yang

Rui Yang is a senior research engineer in the Power Systems Engineering Center at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). She joined NREL in 2015 from Carnegie Mellon University where she obtained her Ph.D. specializing in machine learning and optimization for power systems. Since joining NREL, she has led development in applying artificial intelligence into power systems optimization and control to realize distributed architecture with high penetration levels of distributed energy resources integrated at the customer side. She also spearheads the big data analytics for bridging the gap between weather and power systems for better forecasting of grid conditions.

My mother was an engineer in civil engineering. She was one of few women in college who was in the engineering curriculum, because engineering was considered to be “hard” for women. But, against all odds, she not only received a B.S. degree in civil engineering but became a professional engineer. When I was a child, she sometimes took me on business trips to visit thermal power plants. She explained to me the different parts in a power plant and how things worked there. My interest in STEM started back then. Also, I am very fortunate to have had other female role models throughout my education and work to look up to such as my physics teacher in high school, my circuits professor in college, and my Ph.D. adviser. They are all passionate and devoted to their work in STEM. With their encouragement, guidance, and support, I become confident and excited to pursue a STEM career myself.

We now live in the big-data era. Large volumes of data have been collected, processed, and utilized in our daily life. Electric power systems are experiencing the same change. Increasing amounts of heterogeneous data from various sources such as weather, resources, customers, grid sensors, are now offering big opportunities to better manage energy systems. However, to use these data and create useful information is crucial yet challenging for power systems operations. My work blends emerging technologies in data science with power systems domain knowledge and develops data-driven solutions for real-world grid problems.

The Energy Department, especially through national laboratories, offers a unique opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research but also work toward industry adoption of new technologies. I love to see my work making real-world impact and helping transforming today’s power grid into a secure, reliable, and resilient grid of the future.

Fostering young girls’ curiosity in STEM is important, as interest is believed to be the best teacher. Outreach programs at all levels in our education system to showcase the excitement of STEM and the transformational power that STEM has to our society would be very helpful for girls to get involved in STEM activities and start acquiring STEM skills early on. Encouragement coming from various sources like parents, teachers, and media are also essential to boost girls’ confidence in stepping into STEM domains and pursing STEM careers.

The electric power system is considered one of the most complex, man-made systems, which has been functioning well with sophisticated planning and operation schemes. Having fundamental knowledge of electric power (circuits, electric machinery, etc.) is an important stepping-stone into the field. At the same time, electric power systems are continuously evolving with new technologies being adopted, such as wind and solar technologies. Being adaptive and keeping up with the advanced technologies will be key to your success. More important, find what you are passionate about and do what you love.

I love reading, traveling, and trying out different cuisines.

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