Bio

Q: How did you choose your career in accelerating the development and deployment of climate technologies for a national lab, and what steps did you take to embark on this career path after your physics degree?

A: In the final years of my PhD program, I began volunteering for the graduate student government on campus, GPSA. My years in the program helped me develop a specialty at the intersection of science and communication. This skill set was sought after in my new network. As I discovered a passion for “making a difference,” my interests turned from dark matter and led me to become a science director in a U.S. Senate office for a champion of renewable energy, and then most recently to a career at the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) in Golden, CO. 

Q: How has your physics degree shaped and helped your career?

A: There is no doubt that my PhD continues to open doors for me. Thank you UNM PandA! The degree is a symbol for what it means to independently craft solutions and be able to dive deep into the challenges we face and tease out innovative approaches, whether that be accelerating climate tech to market or helping communities plan for a clean energy future. It’s important as an energy leader to both understand the science and then effectively translate that to your audience. I’d encourage students to practice communicating to lay audiences as you continue to pursue your research interests.

Q: What do you like most about your current career?

A: It is an honor to work alongside my passionate colleagues and partners across the energy ecosystem. Teaming with exceptional talent pushes me to be my best. Plus, NREL’s vision is for a clean energy future for the world. I believe the climate crisis is nothing less than an existential problem for the planet – with potentially dire consequences for disadvantaged and vulnerable communities worldwide. I love having the opportunity to lend my skills to the team trying to create a better place for us all to live. 

Q: Can interested students contact you for more information on your career path?

A: Yes. By email to Richardson dot Physics at gmail dot com