This year, the Institute for Sustainability and Energy at Northwestern University (ISEN) welcomed an ambitious and diverse cohort of students for the 10-month Master of Science in Energy and Sustainability (MSES) program. ISEN recently spoke with MSES student Rachel Deradoorian to learn more about her motivations for pursuing a degree in energy and sustainability.
ISEN: What is your background?
Deradoorian: I graduated with a degree in Architectural Engineering and French from the University of Miami. Since graduation, I have had the privilege to work as an energy analyst for building and masterplan-scale projects in the Midwest and across the world.
ISEN: Why are you interested in studying energy and sustainability at Northwestern?
Deradoorian: My passion and interest for studying energy and sustainability at Northwestern is to comprehend and support the transition to a zero-carbon economy. Energy is a living being, and requires innate comprehension ahead of integration. My key area of interest and specialization is the resiliency aspect of energy systems, including Demand Energy Storage, distributed energy resources and grid impacts of electrification.
ISEN: What are you most looking forward to about the Master of Science in Energy and Sustainability (MSES) program at Northwestern?
Deradoorian: I am most looking forward to expanding my perspective on energy by being integrated with fellow professionals as my peers. The MSES cohort, faculty and guest lecturers bring unique perspectives that I likely would never be considerate of without challenging and important conversations with them.
ISEN: What are your career aspirations?
Deradoorian: My intention upon completion of the Energy and Sustainability Master’s at Northwestern is to continue to lead teams and develop a thought leadership position surrounding the impacts, importance and incentives of green energy solutions. I look forward to continuing my work with fresh perspectives as I gain a more comprehensive understanding of what a zero-carbon economy requires and how it functions!
