Sara Beaini

MEET THE PROFESSIONAL
August 2017

Dr. Sara Beaini

Dr. Sara Beaini is a Mechanical Engineer, specializing in Energy Efficiency research related to thermal and water systems. She works at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), which is a non-profit, independent organization that does research and development about the power utility industry, both in the U.S. and internationally. One of Sara’s roles at EPRI is a Technology Innovation Scout, where she explores emerging technologies (start-ups and university research) that provide energy efficiency benefits for utilities and their customers. Some examples of her projects are: developing and testing the Next-Generation Residential Heat Pump (HVAC system), and field demonstration of technologies that save both energy and water (ex. technologies for cooling towers in commercial buildings).

Sara is also a very active member of our community and supporter of professional networking and mentoring program. We are very excited to feature her as our professional in this month’s “Meet the Professional” series.

Below are a few questions to help facilitate this interactive connection. At the end of the page you will have an opportunity to post your own questions for Sara.

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Describe your current Occupation & Degree/s and Universities.

  • University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
    • Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering (Designated emphasis in Energy Science and Technology), 2012
    • M.S. Mechanical Engineering, 2008
  • Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, CA
    • B.S. General Engineering, 2006 (with Humanities concentration in Psychology)

A list of any awards/recognitions:

  • National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow (2007-2010)
  • Best Student Paper Award (1st place) (2007): HP Competition for Micro & Nano-scale Thermo-Fluids Engineering, ASME IMECE
  • Harvey Mudd College Engineering Departmental Honor (2006)

A list of Publications:

  • The Triple Bottom Line for Efficiency Enhancing
  • Dropwise Condensation through Bioinspired Wettability Patterning
  • An Exploration of Transport Within Micro and Nano Droplet Clusters During Dropwise Condensation of Water on Nanostructured Surfaces
  • ZnO deposition on metal substrates: Relating fabrication, morphology, and wettability
  • Strategies for Developing Surfaces to Enhance Dropwise Condensation: Exploring Contact Angles, Droplet Sizes and Patterning Surfaces
  • Feasibility of Achieving Zero-Net-Energy, Zero-Net-Cost Homes
  • Heat Transfer for Annular Flow in Microchannel Bends: A Free Energy Minimization Model for Square Channels

Discuss a moment or turning point in your life that led you to your career path:

I applied for an undergraduate research position in the Energy Research Group at the American University of Beirut (AUB), Lebanon during the summer between my 3rd and 4th year of college. The project I worked on entailed computer simulation and experimental testing of a more energy efficient HVAC system for hot, humid climates. That research opportunity inspired me to continue my education and pursue both a master’s degree and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering to gain the skills of solving technical problems. I enjoyed getting into the weeds of how things work, rather than just making them work.

Discuss a role model or mentor who influenced your career choice:

  • My role models are my grandparents, whose guidance lives on through my parents, the virtuous values they instill in us, the lessons in tackling life’s challenges and most importantly, the sincere faith guiding one’s true identity.
  • I am grateful and thankful for all my mentors. Sometimes people walk into your life to help you answer one hanging question that guide your next steps. You never know who that may be, and hopefully you can be that person for others in your life – an inspiring and guiding light!

Do you recall any specific challenges you encountered and overcame?

  • Deciding where to go to grad school was a hard decision as I juggled many criteria in the process and it turned out fruitfully. My graduate career at UC Berkeley was an extremely enriching and positively transforming period, intellectually, physically and spiritually.
  • In parallel with my Ph.D. research, I co-founded a start-up company called “SolWorks Innovations, Inc.”, to design an affordable solar water heater for middle-income households in developing countries. Letting go of SolWorks after 4.5years to another professional opportunity was a personal challenge. My experience with SolWorks has carried on with me, as it helped me develop core skills that have been instrumental for my early professional development.

Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?

My professional mission is to effectively impact, both locally and globally, sustainable resource management through energy conservation and green energy practice. Continuing the theme of my thesis work, I want to expand my portfolio and expertise in Energy-Water Nexus through technology development and implementation. (The Energy-Water Nexus refers to the interdependence of water and energy: water is used for energy production and energy is consumed to extract, treat and deliver water). There is plenty you can already do in your homes and community with water and energy conservation!

What advice would you give to someone starting out in your field?

  • Seek out college prep opportunities early in high school. For example, I enrolled in a 4-week math and science summer program at UC Irvine called COSMOS, (summer before my high school senior year), which helped my family and I prepare for college and introduced me to the variety of engineering opportunities and careers, which many women may not realize.
  • Attend graduate program even if it’s for 1-year program! While college teaches you how to learn, graduate college helps you explore and advance your career opportunities, while you discover a lot more about yourself.
  • Don’t feel constrained by your career choices and pressured in finding what the right, next step is. Learning that you don’t like a specific type of job opportunity, after trying that experience is very worthwhile, and helps you grow just as much – if not more than making the “right” choice that you like.

Tell us a little bit about your hobbies outside of your field:

I enjoy outdoor activities, mainly tennis, hiking, camping, as well as yoga and mentoring.

A Q&A form will be uploaded shortly. In the meantime feel free to send any questions you would like to ask Dr. Beaini to admin@network1017.com

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