This is an excerpt from the March 16, 2012: DOE seeking input, small business webinar, and fellow highlight edition of the SunShot newsletter.
SunShot Profile: Fellow Highlight
Carmen Cioc does not shy away from a challenge. This SunShot Junior Fellow is pursuing her second master's degree while working to make solar energy a viable economic solution that is accessible to everyone.
Carmen earned her Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Toledo, Ohio. Her studies focused on mathematical/numerical modeling of thin film fluid flows and elastohydrodynamic lubrication of high-speed rotorcraft transmission components.
In addition to her fascination with the inner workings of helicopter gears, Carmen also discovered an interest in photovoltaics while living in Toledo. The city is well-regarded as a hotspot for the solar industry as it is home to the Photovoltaic Innovation Center and thin-film manufacturer First Solar.
“My dream is to one day have a house that is powered by solar in a world where fossil fuels are used only in very limited and specific applications,” said Carmen.
Carmen is rising to the energy challenge and working to make a solar friendly future possible. During her fellowship, she is focused on developing her professional career as a scientist and manager. She is helping manage the active Small Business Innovation Research project portfolio and contributing to Phase I reviews. Carmen is also coordinating workshops, meetings, and summits, and playing a content development role for the SunShot website.
SunShot Fellowships give recent graduates with technical backgrounds the opportunity to explore a range of areas that interest them, including finance, market behavior, and technology transfer. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply year-round for this program.
“I love that this place is full of brilliant ideas,” said Carmen. “The people are all exceptional individuals collaborating to make the SunShot Initiative vision a reality.”