Western engineering students receive scholarships for work in energy sector

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Two Western Michigan University engineering students, Riya Subedi and Joseph Van Den Hombergh, have each been awarded a $1,500 scholarship by the East Michigan Association of Energy Engineers. The scholarship program recognizes students in energy engineering, energy management or sustainability who plan to pursue a career in the energy sector.

Subedi is a senior majoring in electrical engineering and minoring in computer science with plans to graduate in December 2022. She has participated in research in the area of grid integration of renewable energy as part of her work in the University's Power Equipment Simulation and Design Laboratory (WMU Power Lab). Subedi's future interest is in energy as related to electric power issues of her home country of Nepal and supporting the development of sustainable and affordable energy technologies, with a particular focus on renewable sources.

“The scholarship award recognizes Riya’s excellent academic standing and her interest in renewable energy and performing research. I am also impressed by her volunteer work in the United States and abroad, which supports a well-rounded student,” says Dr. Pablo Gomez, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering and director of the WMU Power Lab.

Van Den Hombergh is a senior majoring in electrical engineering. He completed an internship with the WMU Physical Plant and is a third-year intern at Consumers Energy. He plans to graduate in December and continue his career in energy engineering and sustainability. Van Den Hombergh has a particular interest in the challenges of interconnecting renewables and electric vehicles to the power grid.

He says, “It is an honor to receive this scholarship, which will help offset college expenses!”

“Joe’s excellent academic standing and broad experience in the energy field from working at both the WMU Physical Plant and Consumers Energy made him an ideal selection for this scholarship,” says Gomez. 

The Association of Energy Engineers is a nonprofit professional society of more than 18,000 members in over 100 countries. It seeks to promote the scientific and educational interests of those engaged in the energy industry and to foster action for sustainable development.

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