Electrons, Education, and Electrification: A Journey of Passion and Purpose

As the world rapidly shifts toward digitalization, the rise of AI and data centers is not just transforming how we live and work – it’s reshaping the very fabric of our energy systems. On May 21, during EEPower Day 2025, I’ll be sharing a vision of how this transformation is unfolding and how the grid is evolving to meet the moment. But behind this vision lies a deeply personal journey – one that began with a spark of curiosity about something as invisible as it is powerful: the electron.

A Spark of Curiosity
When I was in high school, physics captivated me. I was particularly drawn to the mysterious nature of electrons. I couldn’t see them, but I knew they worked – and that intrigued me. What started as curiosity gradually transformed into a calling, eventually guiding me into electrical engineering. I studied at the Federal Institute of Technology, worked briefly in the field, and was later offered a PhD opportunity through GE Vernova, focusing on MULTILIN Digital Substations.

That PhD marked a turning point. It wasn’t just about research or career progression – it was about building something for humankind. My childhood memories of growing up in India, where power outages were a norm, remained with me. They instilled in me a sense of responsibility toward grid reliability, stability, and accessibility. Electricity is more than a convenience – it’s a foundation for opportunity, education, healthcare, commerce, and quality of life.

Hands-on Experience, Grounded Purpose
During my Bachelor’s, I worked at a power plant in Delhi and witnessed firsthand how electricity is generated. Later, during my Master’s, I focused on grid stability. These experiences deepened my understanding of how critical resilient infrastructure is, especially in places where energy isn’t always guaranteed.

Today, I work at GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions business, serving as Senior Director of Innovation. Our mission is clear: enable a grid that is smarter and more reliable that can electrify the world while simultaneously decarbonizing it. Through our GridBeats™ portfolio, we’re contributing to solving the energy trilemma with software-defined automation solutions – innovations that are not just technical achievements, but part of a larger purpose.

The Drive for Modernization and Stability
Sustainability is no longer optional: it’s imperative. While I now live a comfortable life in North America, I remain grounded in the global energy reality. Billions still live with limited or unreliable power access. That’s why aligning my personal values with my professional work has become so important to me. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those centered around affordable and clean energy, resonate with my motivations. They give direction and purpose to what might otherwise feel like incremental progress.

At GE Vernova, this alignment is cultural. The company’s Sustainability Report affirms our commitment to both electrification and decarbonization. And those aren’t just buzzwords, they’re part of a broader effort to solve the industry’s challenges of delivering reliable, affordable, more sustainable energy – a tough task, but an inspiring one.

I’ve been asked what I’d do had I not pursued a career in engineering and my answer comes easy: I’d probably be an educator, helping others understand why electrification matters, how it connects to climate action, and how we can all play a role. Education and awareness are essential if we’re going to accelerate the energy transition. Whether it’s through innovation or conversation, I believe in contributing to a more informed and empowered future.

Turning Innovation into Impact
Ultimately, when passion meets purpose, work becomes more than a job. It becomes impact that’s worth the work. And that’s what drives me every day – knowing that the ideas we develop, the systems we design, and the partnerships we forge are all part of a collective effort to power a better tomorrow. While I may not have a true measure of my impact, I feel like I do meaningful work – and that’s what matters most.

Join the conversation at the virtual EEPower Day 2025 summit to hear more about my experience and the explosive growth of AI/ML and how it drives us towards more resilient energy systems.