Working with the IEEE Smart Village (ISV) program that combines renewable energy, community-based education and entrepreneurial opportunities in a developing world reignited my passion for engineering. I wanted to see the overall impact of the projects I was involved in, particularly how they benefited the community. Through IEEE, I not only built a global network but also found a deeper connection to the far-reaching influence of my work. I was also motivated to make more impact in off-grid communities.

How is your experience working with Dr. Fahimi, director of the REVT Lab?

Working with Dr. Fahimi has been an incredibly enriching experience, as he has a unique ability to ignite one’s passion. His guidance as an advisor has been highly beneficial for my personal and professional growth during these past few months. Dr. Fahimi has a genuine concern for his students’ overall well-being and his willingness to share invaluable insights. I approach each day with an open mind thereby, embracing a continuous learning mindset.

Education here is more practical. I have always been interested in the technical side of how technological infrastructure systems are created. The beauty of being here is learning how the devices used to drive industrial machines and consumer electronics are developed, tested and certified for different applications.

Two years ago, you were recognized by IEEE as a Smart Village Ambassador and a Women in Power Society leader. You are also now serving as a governing board member at large representative on climate change and served with the Power & Energy Society. How has this organization impacted your career development?

After two years of working in industry, I took a few months’ break to rethink my career direction. The break provided me with an opportunity to be more involved with IEEE, a global engineering organization offering extensive networks and support for students and young professionals. I faced many challenges as a female engineer. Through IEEE, I sought insight from senior members while at the same time mentoring young engineers who aspired to follow the path.

Given IEEE’s global presence in over 190 countries, I was eager to connect and expand my knowledge base. As I became more involved, I proactively promoted our projects and established connections through video interactions. I made it my goal to connect with three new people a day. To date, I have worked with volunteers from over 50 countries.

You have previously served a number of organizations including The Maa Trust, an organization dedicated to supporting the Maasai ethnic group, and the Tech-Gaa Hub, a women’s group that teaches tech literacy in Kenya. What are some challenges individuals face in rural communities like those in East Africa?

People living without access to electricity encounter numerous challenges, with education being the foremost concern. Our aim is to integrate technology in the communities without compromising their cultural lifestyles. The Maasai are an indigenous tribe that have historically lived as pastoralists at the heart of the famous tourist destination Maasai Mara National Reserve. I lived with them in a tent working with IEEE Smart Village to understand the community’s energy-related needs.

In many developing countries, people own communication devices such as mobile phones but lack access to charging stations. Another key aspect is health care, where people are forced to travel far to find a hospital or clinic. With solar-powered health centers, medicines can be refrigerated, and medical devices can operate reliably without interruption to provide the necessary life support operations.

These technologies not only contribute to addressing climate change by reducing carbon emissions but also uplift the living standards of off-grid communities, enhancing their overall well-being, resilience and sustainable development. With communities reducing reliance on fossil fuels, their health improves, and they can use solar to power productive appliances such as water pumps, fans, fridges, irrigation systems, cold storage, flour millers, all of which are essential for daily life.

While many solar systems are currently imported, I hope that more localized solutions will be produced so more people are educated on the importance of these technologies. With increasing electronic waste production, I hope that more recycling solutions will be considered.

In some communities in Kenya, land is communally owned. Through ISV, I was engaged with Bright Hope International, a nongovernmental organization (NGO) based in Illinois to implement a solar-powered water pump that provided water for one farm’s drip irrigation, engaging 100 farmers and serving over 2,000 people who benefit from the water for their basic needs. In this context, following the success of the project, the community members offered an additional five acres of land to expand the project. Women also no longer have to travel far to fetch water.

I have noticed that one connection will often lead to another. These well-knit cultures still exist. Educating people is a key component — the little inputs can often have the most impact.

I just arrived in January, but I have to say I am impressed the team members of IEEE UT Dallas, some of whom also work in Dr. Fahimi’s lab. They offer several educational training seminars, workshops, tutoring sessions and partner with companies such as Murata Manufacturing, Texas Instruments and Intertek to promote professional development. It is cool to see the networking taking place at UTD.

I aspire to complete my PhD and get a fulfilling job that will allow me to bring impactful technology back to my home country. I am inclined to serve the communities that have the most need.

With the right skills and partnerships, I hope to start an NGO that will provide solar energy to power productive applications in various communities that solve the challenges they are facing. It will not be easy to make this change — it’s going to take partnerships with a lot of people and organizations.

It’s an honor being here. I am grateful to the UT Dallas community for providing us with the resources to continue our education, make our dreams come true and be hopeful about the future.