Women @ Energy: Soumya Tiwari

Soumya Tiwari joined the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in 2018. She completed her graduate studies in electrical engineering with a focus on Energy Systems and Control from San Diego State University in 2018. She is working as an electrical engineer in the Energy Systems Integration Facility’s (ESIF), Operations Center’s Research Engineering Group. She works with researchers to design experiments, implement electrical installations involving electrical power and controls, upgrade and troubleshoot integrated laboratory equipment and systems, and to support energy systems research projects.

Since I was a child, I had a keen interest in math and science, which continued to grow with time. During my middle school days, my hometown had numerous power outages which made me think about the reasons behind them and gave me a direction to focus my studies on. Reading about fossil fuel-based electricity generation and knowing its impact on the environment, I knew that renewable energy is the way forward for making the world a better place. All of this inspired me to take my research focus toward the renewable energy integration into our current power systems infrastructure. Pursuing electrical engineering was the path that led me to NREL, and now I have the chance to be a part of the cutting-edge research and innovation.

I believe the two factors that excite me most are challenges and learning. Since the day I joined NREL, every day has been a new challenge and learning always grows from those challenges. All the work we do in using renewable energy – whether it’s solar, wind, or another power source – the work is always super exciting as these energies will help the world build a more sustainable future. Being part of something that will better the situation for future generations keeps me charged all the time. Working with some of the most brilliant minds in the research industry keeps me on my toes and encourages me to be current on the energy sector. In the end, seeing firsthand the difference our research brings to society is overwhelming and satisfying.

Today, the world knows the power of women and what they are capable of. Gone are the days when math and science were considered to be only for the men and the privileged. Science is in the life of every human being and we all deserve the chance to understand it and practice it. At the very initial stages, I believe family support is very important for a woman to feel encouraged about a career in STEM so that their dreams can flourish to reality. Organizations like ours can reach out to schools to provide them more insights about the outstanding and cool research going on around the globe to spark students’ interest in science. In the end, if women can be forthcoming about their struggles, it will benefit everyone who wants to get into the industry and make the industry more accepting.

The only thing I would say to anyone looking to enter my field, or any field, is that they need to be passionate about what they do. They need to be farsighted and think for the future rather than the short-term benefits which might sound easier and achievable. Nothing is impossible if you try and are determined. Things take time, but no dream gets fulfilled overnight. It requires perseverance and hard work and there is no shortcut to hard work. Also, one of the tips I want to give is to share your ideas and be a good listener because you will learn the most if you pay attention to others. Lastly, being inquisitive is very important, as searching for reasons and answers is the start of every research. Basically: keep going, work hard, and don’t give up.

My favorite pastime is listening to music and singing. I can pretty much listen to songs all day and night. It gives me a sense of peace and lets me focus too. I also like running and participating in marathons.

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