I chose Maryland because of its distinction from other schools in the unique offering of a major related to my interests (renewables).
René Brown
Associate Engineer at JEA
MEng. in Sustainable Energy Engineering
As a University of Maryland undergrad student, I studied chemical engineering and worked in the Functional Macromolecular Laboratory under Dr. Peter Kofinas. After graduating in 2010, I ventured into the lithium ion battery manufacturing world and eventually moved to Florida. My exposure to battery energy storage prompted me to expand my education and I pursued UMD again where I obtained my Master’s degree in Sustainable Energy Engineering. Fast forward to today, and I am an Engineer here at JEA, an electric, water, and wastewater utility, coordinating our renewable projects.
My daily responsibilities include managing small scale renewable purchase power agreements and solar photovoltaic (PV) projects, collecting data for renewable customer offerings, including our recently announced battery incentive program, evaluating renewable technologies for incorporation by JEA, and managing renewable energy certificate (REC) inventory and sales. I also schedule and execute solar farm tours. Last year I passed my Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and I am now studying to obtain my Professional Engineer (PE) license.
Why Maryland?
I chose Maryland because of its distinction from other schools in the unique offering of a major related to my interests (renewables). Also, the flexibility of the degree program allowed me to attend classes while working full time.
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