REI Alumni Spotlight – Emilia Groupp, Stanford University

GMC Certificate Achievers & REI Alumni Spotlight

PhD Student, Stanford University, Emilia Groupp

The Renewable Energy Institute is pleased to focus on the achievements of those who have attended the REI’s accredited Renewable Energy courses and accomplished the internationally recognised Galileo Master Certificate to further their careers in the Green Energy sector.

This month, the REI is delighted to speak with Emilia Groupp, PhD student at Stanford University, to hear about her experience studying the Solar Energy Expert Certificate. Emilia is part of the Renewable Energy Institute’s global network of course participants from over 150 countries worldwide, including delegates from PwC, Hilton International Hotels, EDF Energy, the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and many more.

Stanford University, established in 1885, is one of the most prestigious universities in the world and currently teaches over 17,000 students.

The REI’s Accredited Solar Energy Consultant Expert Certificate is available to study flexibly online from home over a 6-month period with access to tutorial videos led by renowned academic professors and industry experts. The courses can also be studied as part of the Accredited Master in Renewable Energy Award for those wishing to enhance their career even further.

1. Hi Emilia, what is your professional background and how does this relate to the Renewable Energy field?

I am a PhD candidate in the Department of Anthropology at Stanford University. My dissertation research focuses on the social relations involved in the development of renewable energy sites and the social drivers of the low-carbon transition.  

Find out more about the REI’s Renewable Energy courses here.

“The knowledge gained at the REI has served to provide a foundation for future research and work in the field of renewable energy.”

– Stanford University, Emilia Groupp

2. Why did you choose to train with the Renewable Energy Institute?

In order to prepare for my research, I wanted to better understand renewable energy technologies and the practical side of developing and deploying specifically solar energy sites and installations. The Renewable Energy Institute offered just that, and the course structure was especially useful for those without engineering backgrounds. 

3. What Courses or Expert Certificate did you study?

During the summer of 2020, I took three courses with REI: Solar Photovoltaics, Solar Water Heating, and Electrics for Renewables. I was awarded the Galileo Master Certificate for each course, leading to the Solar Energy Expert Certificate. 

4. What are the skills and knowledge that you have gained from the Solar Energy Expert Certificate?

Throughout these courses, I was able to gain both a broad overview of the regulatory and economic aspects of renewable energy, while also delving into the precise physics, materials and functionality. Overall, I gained a thorough knowledge of the most common solar energy systems, alongside practical skills in planning, design, and installation. On the whole, this training has been critical for how I have framed my research questions by enabling me to gain an in-depth understanding of the technological, legal, and logistical issues involved in the development and deployment of renewable energies.  

“Overall, I gained a thorough knowledge of the most common solar energy systems, alongside practical skills in planning, design, and installation.”

– Stanford University, Emilia Groupp

5. How will you apply these skills to your career, either directly or indirectly?

I primarily sought out these skills to inform my dissertation research design for understanding the social aspects of renewable energy, but the knowledge gained at the REI has served to provide a foundation for future research and work in the field of renewable energy. 

6.  All around the world, companies, and organisations are preparing for a transition to a net-zero carbon future. What are Stanford’s goals for sustainability?

Since Stanford University completed its second solar generating plant last year, the university is now 100% solar-powered. This development puts the university over two decades ahead of California’s carbon-free goal by 2045.

Do you want to upskill with the Renewable Energy Institute? There are only limited places available on the Accredited Master in Renewable Energy Award, book your place now and study from home. If you would like more details on this programme, or would like to register, please email training@renewableinstitute.org for more information. Alternatively, you can call us on +44 (0)131 446 9479.