Yilin (Linda) Zhao - University of Calgary

I am an Electrical Engineering student at the University of Calgary expected to graduate in Spring 2018 with internship. I specialized in Energy and Environment to focus my degree towards power engineering and learn more about environmental and energy issues. I’m currently working as an intern in the Protection, Control, and Metering Department at Hydro One Networks in Ontario. In my spare time, I enjoy volunteering and have held executive positions in IEEE Student Branch, Energy and Environment Engineering Students Association, and Engineers Without Borders at my home university.

I have always wanted a career that can utilize my strengths to change the world, and I believe that electrical engineering can help me accomplish that. I decided to study electrical engineering when I made a wind-powered generator using recycled materials for a science competition in high school. The potential of renewables mesmerized me, and I hope to improve the grid through electrical engineering.

This is a very exciting era for the power industry with challenges such as renewable integration and smart grid development. To me, the most exciting part about the power engineering field is its ability to change so many lives. I am excited to take part in this field as it is so important to the modern world. I want to tackle challenges that help solve the world's energy issues. As a strong sustainability advocate, I aspire to engineer innovative solutions to power the world more efficiently, more sustainably, and more reliably. I’m especially interested in renewable systems integration, power electronics, and smart grid technologies.

How has been selected as a PES Scholar impacted you?

Since being selected for the IEEE PES Scholarship and John W. Estey Scholarship, I had numerous opportunities to learn more about careers in the power and energy industry. Knowing that I have been awarded this scholarship makes me feel proud, and at the same time, obliged to do my best in school and work. Receiving this scholarship has allowed me to pursue my goals more freely without worrying about financial burdens. I had more chances and choices for personal development wherever the opportunities are.

January 2017