Dr. Evelyn Wang, Director, ARPA-E & World-Renowned Mechanical Engineer: Driving High-Risk, High-Reward Energy Innovation

“Persistence and resiliency” are words to live by, according to trailblazer and innovator Dr. Evelyn Wang. During her successful tenure as Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), President Biden nominated Dr. Wang to lead the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), the “crown jewel” and research arm of the U.S. Department of Energy. Dr. Wang and her team of brilliant inventers identify, develop, and fund disruptive energy innovations in their developmental stages. Tasked with thinking boldly and outside the box, ARPA-E is a catalyst for early-stage R&D. Having participated in ARPA-E’s Energy Innovation Summit to now leading it, Dr. Wang is strengthening the community of industry leaders and innovators who share her passion for solving energy problems and powering the clean energy future.

Dr. Wang joins hosts Dee Martin and Carolyn Spector to discuss her work as Director of ARPA-E and her experiences as a department head, beloved professor, and mentor at MIT. From geomechanical pumps to thermal batteries, Dr. Wang breaks down ARPA-E’s process to transform early ideas into proof-of-concept demonstrations. Dr. Wang discusses the importance of supporting young innovators, especially women, and how women in STEM should reject “imposter syndrome” and instead “savor the spotlight.” Tune in now!