Silke Popescu, MA Sustainable Energy (’21)
“I wasn’t quite sure what to expect coming into the program, but it definitely exceeded whatever expectations I might have had,” says Silke Popescu who is graduating with a Master of Arts in Sustainable Energy (Policy). “Since the program is so interdisciplinary, I was constantly challenged and learning new things.”
The sustainable energy program taught her how to look at energy issues from many different perspectives, such as analyzing policy issues or engineering and economic challenges and opportunities.
“I came out of the program feeling well prepared to enter the workforce and start addressing these issues to make a real difference in the world,” says Popescu.
As a student, Popescu was the TA for SERG 5800 and coordinated the SE speaker series. She says, “I really enjoyed the opportunity to meet these incredible people working to make our world a better, more sustainable place.”
Popescu was the recipient of the Borealis Foundation award in Fall 2020 for her academic excellence and dedication to the low carbon transition. She was also the interim co-president of the SPPA SE alumni group SIGNALS.
Her thesis examined the role of gender and leadership within energy sector firms in Canada as being potential catalysts to help Canada in our sustainability transition. After Popescu submitted her final thesis in September, she was offered a job at the government department where she did her co-op: the Clean Technology and Clean Growth Branch at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).
“I am currently enjoying working there and supporting the development and growth of clean technology in Canada.”