Mary Scherer - The Ohio State University (PES Scholar 2014 - 16)

I am a senior in Electrical and Computer Engineering at The Ohio State University graduating in May 2017. My specialization is in power. In January 201, I will begin working towards my Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering on a topic relating to renewable integration and energy markets.

I am Social Chair of the OSU IEEE Undergraduate Student Chapter, President of Engineers for Community Service, a member of Eta Kappa Nu, Tau Beta Pi, Humanitarian Engineering Scholars, Society of Women Engineers, Women in Engineering, St. Paul’s Outreach, the St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center, and ESTEEM. In my free time, I rock climb and swing dance.

I chose to study engineering and the power field after a service trip to Latin America showed me how large an impact reliable and affordable power can have on someone’s life. I want to bring power to all people and light up the world.

I love that by working in the power industry I can have a direct, positive impact on the lives of people in my community. Keeping the lights on is work that I can be proud of. I’m excited to see how the industry and the grid adapts with the introduction of new technologies and regulations.

How has been selected as a PES Scholar impacted you?

Thanks to the IEEE PES Scholarship Plus, I was able to focus more on my studies and club involvement, without taking on a part-time job during the semester or racking up college debt. Because of the IEEE PES Scholarship, I found exciting internships in the power industry!

Because of my PES Scholarship I went to the 2016 IEEE PES GM in Boston and networked with professionals who set me up with interviews at their companies, attended seminars about the future of the grid that helped me determine my topic for my Master’s research, and got even more excited about the power industry!

Because of the PES Scholarship, I accepted a full-time job in the power industry after graduation!

January 2017