Student Fellow Stories: Grace Cassidy

Grace Cassidy is a Master of Engineering student in the Power Electronics Research Group working to improve the efficiency of a power generation system while also pursuing the Sustainability Certificate from the Sloan School of Management. She joined MITOS to collect, analyze, and report on sustainability metrics for the MIT campus. Before graduate school, Grace graduated from MIT with a BS in Electrical Science and Engineering with a minor in Chinese and was a Submarine Officer in the US Navy.

What was your favorite project/ story/ assignment/ event that you worked on in your time as a Student Fellow? Why?

My favorite project involved collecting information on campus operations for MIT’s upcoming STARS submission. Seeing the number of areas MIT reaches to increase sustainability on campus is quite impressive, and the opportunity for student involvement is exciting. These broad areas span waste, construction, purchasing, dining, etc. I’ve also enjoyed learning about the innovative projects that engage MIT community members in sustainability such as Waste Watchers, the Sustainability Incubator fund, and several campus student groups. 

In what ways has your experience as a MITOS Student Fellow influenced your career at MIT and/or beyond?

Working as a MITOS Student Fellow has inspired me to pursue sustainability in my research, classes, and future career. I am studying power electronics with the goal of improving the efficiency of electrical systems. I have realized that even if my future employer is not specifically sustainability-oriented, there are plenty of ways to incorporate sustainability into the organization through an environmental or social lens. The fellowship has taught me some of the myriad of methods that MIT has used to approach sustainability which I hope to incorporate in my future workplace. 

What advice would you give to other students to make the most out of the MITOS Student Fellowships?

I would recommend that students take every opportunity to explore different ideas related to their fellowships. MITOS is very supportive and willing to let you guide your own research. Reach out to people on campus, learn about different programs, and delve into the topics that interest you.