Feeling like you can be yourself at work is foundational to productivity and comfort. While Isaac Chan works to curb industrial emissions, he also shares his thoughts about diversity at the Department.
Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
May 25, 2022
minute read time
May is Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, a time to recognize the people in these communities and celebrate their contributions and achievements. This group is diverse, including more than 50 ethnicities and more than 100 languages and dialects. The U.S. Department of Energy is working to represent diversity and be more inclusive in all activities. As such, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy is pleased to shine a spotlight on some of our AANHPI team members who are working to make affordable clean energy accessible to everyone.
1. How long have you worked at EERE, and what is your title?
Twenty years. I’m the Industrial Decarbonization program manager for the Advanced Manufacturing Office.
2. How would you describe your role and duties to a 3rd grader?
I work with some very smart people at the U.S. Department of Energy to develop cool technologies that will reduce pollution caused by producing goods. Our goal is to make the earth a cleaner and sustainable place to live for future generations.
3. What do you find most meaningful about what you do at EERE?
I am grateful to be on the EERE team, developing cutting-edge technology solutions to reduce carbon emissions in the manufacturing industry. DOE has a unique role, and the resources at the national level, to lead and shape the climate change technology landscape. Preventing the earth from warming to more extreme temperatures is the most important global concern of our time.
4. DOE employees are encouraged to bring their whole selves to the workplace. What does that mean to you, as we celebrate Asian American & Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month?
DOE has made significant progress to become a diverse and inclusive workplace. People at DOE pay attention to your capabilities, attitude, and dedication to your work. I feel comfortable being my whole self and don’t really worry about how people judge me. The inclusive workplace culture at DOE allows me to become more satisfied, effective, and free.
5. What advice would you give people who look to you as a leader at DOE?
Have a passion for your job, and be willing to work hard and dedicate yourself to it. Create a track record and a reputation for doing your job well to earn the respect of your peers.
6. What does being a clean energy champion mean to you?
Being a clean energy champion in EERE provides me a unique role at the federal level to be directly involved in shaping and advancing technologies to mitigate climate change.