Episode Details
Back to EpisodesA Researcher’s Career Journey, an Arizona High School’s Innovation, and a Scientist’s Mentorship Mentality
Description
Disclaimer: This episode was produced when the laboratory operated as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The laboratory is now the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR).
In this episode, hosts Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle highlight the human side of energy innovation—from personal career journeys to community impact and mentorship. Highlights include:
- A look into how Senior Scientist Susan Habas’ love for 90s pop culture inspired her to pursue a career in catalytic research, providing the foundations for her cutting-edge work at NREL.
- How Ponderosa High School in Arizona is empowering students who faced difficulties in their education by giving them a glimpse into advanced energy careers through a unique partnership with NREL and the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2).
- Recognizing the work of solar photochemistry pioneer Garry Rumbles, who is retiring after 25 years at NREL and leaving behind not just a legacy of research, but a culture of support and mentorship.
This podcast is hosted by Jackson Fletcher, Kerrin Jeromin, Taylor Mankle, and Nataleah Small and written and produced by Hannah Halusker, Allison Montroy, and Kaitlyn Stottler. Editors are Joe DelNero, Brittany Falch, and Taylor Mankle. Graphics by Brittnee Gayet. Music by Ted Vaca and Chuck Kurnik, Jim Riley, and Mark Sanseverino of Drift BC. Peaks to Power is created by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Laboratory of the Rockies in Golden, Colorado. Email us at podcast@nlr.gov. Follow NLR on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, and Facebook.