This summer I interned at the Department of Energy. Within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), I worked with the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation and between the International team and the Vehicle Technologies Office. One of my main projects was to analyze international electric vehicle charging infrastructure deployment strategies and progress toward national and municipal targets. My other main project was to compile a set of case studies on efficient, cost-effective integration of charging infrastructure into the grid to improve knowledge sharing for cities and towns receiving grants.

In the future I hope to work on large infrastructure projects that improve both sustainability and people’s quality of life. This internship was a valuable experience for me to develop an understanding of the policy mechanisms that fund and coordinate the deployment of infrastructure. I had the opportunity to attend events including a DOT symposium and a congressional energy expo and connect with many impactful people. Overall, my experience at the DOE both provided an important new perspective and reaffirmed my aim to work at the intersection of engineering and policy.