CCEE Ph.D. student named 2022 Energy Data Analytics Ph.D. Student Fellow at Duke University

CCEE Ph.D. student Jethro Ssengonzi, advised by Dr. Jeremiah Johnson, is one of six scholars named to the 2022 cohort of Energy Data Analytics Ph.D. Student Fellows at Duke University. The program is aimed at preparing energy and climate innovators to make an impact. 

“I felt excited and grateful when I was named a fellow,” Ssengonzi said. “This program is fueled by the work of several experts in the field of energy and yields several opportunities for participating fellows.”

The Energy Data Analytics Ph.D. Student Fellows program is designed to deepen doctoral students’ expertise in both data science and energy topics, spur impactful research, and create a network of North Carolina faculty and students interested in applying data science to energy challenges, according to a release from Duke.

“Global decarbonization efforts call for experts who are proficient with the latest data science techniques and ready to use them to transform energy systems,” said Dr. Brian Murray, interim director of the Duke University Energy Initiative and Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions. “The Energy Data Analytics Ph.D. Student Fellows program is preparing scholars to respond to this urgent need.”

Ssengonzi and the other fellows will work with faculty mentors as they pursue independent research projects, take part in workshops on energy and data science topics, and polish their research communications skills. In addition to a stipend and partial tuition remission during the summer, the fellows will receive up to $1,500 in funding for research and professional development.

 “This fellowship will help me gain skills that I can use in my research, while also expanding upon my professional network of researchers who are progressing the field of study forward,” Ssengonzi said.

Ssengonzi’s research involves energy systems modeling with a focus on understanding the benefit of renewable energy sources to current and future regional electric grid reliability. His work addresses innovative infrastructure development to improve societal quality of life and efficiency in the workplace.

“I have passion for infrastructure development as I believe that efficient and economical infrastructure can improve quality of life in society and effectiveness in the workplace,” said Ssengonz, who has a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from University of Maryland Baltimore County. “Through various experiences in my growth as a scholar, I converged on studying energy infrastructure.”