Biography

My life has been characterized by travel and shifting residences, yet my home will always be East Africa where I was born. Its stunning vistas and resilient people have a 20 year hold on my wandering heart. Yet both are threatened by the deterioration of climate and the disregard we as humans have shown to the world. Graduating with a major in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Energy Engineering from Duke University, I hope to take this background and learn how to use my education to slow, stop, or replace engineering practices that are destroying the environment. During the past few years, I had the opportunity to complete several internships working in rural Burundi, where my work ranged from building design to solar installation. In addition, my studies of Energy Engineering in New Zealand sparked my interest in creating technical solutions that limit environmental impact while pushing global change. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship has given me the opportunity to continue this passion with Engineering for Sustainable Development. It is my hope that I can use the skills this program teaches me, to help the rapidly developing communities of East Africa grow in a sustainable way, with a particular focus on sources of renewable energy.

Previous Education

Duke University Minor in Energy Engineering 2019