What I Do I implement software solutions that integrate with different Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) including microgrids, EV fleets, batteries, and solar installations. At Uplight, I customize and deploy digital infrastructure that enables these diverse energy assets to be monitored, controlled, and optimized as part of a cohesive system. My work creates the intelligence layer that sits between physical hardware and grid operations, allowing utilities and businesses to: Visualize all their energy resources in a unified platform Automate responses to grid conditions and price signals Orchestrate complex interactions between multiple DERs Maximize both financial returns and grid stability benefits Extract additional value through participation in energy markets By developing these integration capabilities, I help transform standalone energy assets into flexible resources that can be dynamically managed to support renewable energy adoption, reduce costs, and build a more resilient energy ecosystem.
Why Engineering? I chose my current career implementing software solutions for Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) because it represents a natural evolution of my professional journey. I started my career in the physical infrastructure of the grid, designing substations, performing detailed grid studies, and energizing both traditional substations and microgrids. This hands-on experience gave me a deep appreciation for the complexity of power systems and the critical nature of reliable electricity delivery. My First Master's in Electrical Engineering provided me with the fundamental understanding of power systems and grid infrastructure, while my second Master's in Data Science, Strategy, and Entrepreneurship equipped me with the analytical, business, and innovation skills needed to develop comprehensive solutions. This unique educational combination has allowed me to gain value across multiple fields—a specialized niche that's increasingly critical for modern grid transformation. The electrical engineering background helps me understand the physical constraints and technical requirements of various DERs, while my data science expertise enables me to develop algorithms that optimize their performance. The strategy and entrepreneurship training gives me insight into the business cases and market opportunities that drive adoption of these technologies. At AutoGrid (now, Uplight), I customize and deploy digital solutions that bridge the gap between traditional electrical engineering and cutting-edge software capabilities. Having worked on both the physical grid infrastructure and now the digital control systems, I bring a holistic perspective that encompasses the entire energy ecosystem. This multidisciplinary approach is precisely what's needed in today's rapidly evolving energy sector, where the integration of diverse technologies requires professionals who can translate between engineering requirements, data-driven insights, and business objectives.
School Days High school and Bachelors in Electrical Engineering, India Masters in Electrical engineering from The Ohio State University Masters in Data Science, Strategy and Entrepreneurship from the University of Chicago.
My Day At Work Responsible for the deployment and testing of software solutions that interface with control systems to optimize performance of high-value assets, including electric vehicles (passenger cars and transit buses) and grid-connected battery systems. I identify innovative applications of our existing product portfolio to address emerging challenges faced by our clients. Beyond my core responsibilities, I contribute to the energy technology ecosystem as a peer reviewer and published author for the IEEE, while also providing advisory services to early-stage ventures in the clean energy sector.
Best Part The most rewarding aspect of my professional journey has been the opportunity to connect with exceptional industry leaders who became influential mentors early in both my initial career path and subsequent career transition. These strategic relationships have provided invaluable guidance, helping me navigate the evolution of my professional trajectory while developing expertise across multiple domains in the energy sector.
Proud Moments I was fortunate to contribute to a groundbreaking project with Zum, the pioneer in modern student transportation, that successfully deployed the nation's first 100% electrified school bus fleet for Oakland Unified School District. Beyond revolutionizing student transportation through decarbonization, the system's vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology enables the fleet to contribute approximately 2.1 gigawatt hours back to the grid annually when buses are not in service, creating a significant clean energy resource for the community.
Challenges Throughout my professional journey, I've encountered several significant challenges that ultimately strengthened my capabilities and character. One of my most formidable obstacles was transitioning from an individual contributor to a leadership role. Initially, I struggled with delegating tasks I previously handled myself and found it difficult to shift from doing the work to guiding others. I overcame this by developing a structured mentoring approach and learning to trust my team members' unique approaches, even when different from my own. This challenge taught me that effective leadership often means creating space for others to excel rather than controlling every outcome. Early in my career, I faced a high-stakes project with challenging technical requirements and tight deadlines. The complexity seemed overwhelming at first, but I conquered this by breaking the project into manageable components and establishing a methodical approach to problem-solving. This experience taught me the importance of systems thinking and strategic planning when facing complex challenges. Communication across departments presented another significant hurdle. I noticed that technical concepts I understood clearly weren't translating effectively to non-technical stakeholders, causing project delays and misaligned expectations. I addressed this by developing the ability to adapt my communication style to different audiences and creating visual aids that bridged knowledge gaps. This skill has proven invaluable throughout my career advancement. I continue to face challenges every day in my professional life, but developing a growth mindset has transformed how I approach these obstacles. Rather than viewing challenges as roadblocks, I now see them as opportunities to expand my capabilities. Staying in a field I'm passionate about has provided the intrinsic motivation needed to persist through difficult periods and continuously improve. This combination of embracing growth while pursuing meaningful work gives me the resilience and drive to tackle whatever new challenges emerge on my career path. Each of these challenges revealed areas where I needed to grow, and conquering them has transformed potential obstacles into stepping stones for professional development.
My Family I'm an only child with a wonderfully supportive husband who is also my best friend. He reminds me daily of what I'm worth and challenges me with facts when I doubt myself. He's also a great dad to our curious and energetic 2-year-old son who keeps us busy and is helping me rediscover the world through his eyes. My parents and in-laws live in India, while we're raising our family here. I'm fortunate to have two sets of parents who've been incredibly supportive of me balancing work, family and life, and they constantly encourage me to make a bigger impact. Despite the geographical distance, we maintain strong connections through regular video calls and visits when possible. We work hard to ensure our son knows his grandparents.
Dreams and Goals Continually challenging myself to grow beyond my comfort zone while remaining adaptable to evolving industry trends. I believe my combination of technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and genuine passion for this field positions me well to achieve these goals. I'm committed to making strategic choices that align with both my professional aspirations and personal values as I progress through these career stages. I'm particularly interested in opportunities that push me to develop new capabilities while remaining adaptable to evolving industry landscapes. My combination of technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and genuine passion for this field provides a strong foundation for whatever direction my career takes. I remain committed to making strategic choices that align with both my professional aspirations and personal values, ensuring that my work remains meaningful and fulfilling while allowing me to be present for the people who matter most.
Inspiration When reflecting on the forces that have shaped my journey and decisions, several key individuals stand out for their profound impact on my worldview and approach to life: My Maternal Grandfather and Mother - They instilled in me perhaps the most foundational belief that guides my choices: that the sky is truly my limit. Their unwavering confidence taught me that nothing can prevent me from achieving my goals except for the limitations I place on myself. This mindset has empowered me to pursue opportunities I might otherwise have deemed beyond my reach. My Dad helped me learn the invaluable lesson of respecting people from all backgrounds and working classes. He showed me how to recognize strength in diversity. This has influenced how I build relationships, collaborate with others, and approach challenges with an inclusive mindset. My Husband has see value in myself and to advocate for fair treatment. Through his support and perspective, I've started to recognize my worth and stand firm in situations where I deserve better/ draw better boundaries. This has transformed both my personal relationships and professional interactions. My mentors have uniquely influenced my growth by creating opportunities for me without explicit instruction, subtly guiding me to develop in ways I often didn't even recognize at the time. Their gentle nudging has helped me expand my capabilities while maintaining my confidence and independence. My in-laws have had a profound impact on my life by never differentiating between their son and me—treating us as true equals. This equal standing and acceptance have shaped how I view family relationships and have influenced my understanding of unconditional support and genuine inclusion Each of these influences has contributed to the person I am today, shaping my values, decisions, and the path I've chosen to follow. While all have been significant, the foundation laid by my grandfather and mother—that belief in unlimited possibility—has perhaps been the most transformative in determining the choices I've made throughout my life.
Want to be an Engineer? 1. Take a variety of classes. Sure, math and coding are important, but those English, art, and history classes? They're actually developing your storytelling and creative thinking skills. Engineering companies are full of people who can build things, but they desperately need people who can explain why those things matter! 2. Try different things! Join that robotics club, volunteer to build a website for a local business, or create a silly app with friends. These experiences teach you way more than just sitting in class ever will. 3. Make friends with all kinds of people. Some of your best ideas will come from hanging out with classmates who think differently than you do. Plus, these friendships make school way more fun! 4. Don't stress about messing up. Seriously. Everyone makes mistakes - that's not failing—that's learning how things actually work. 5. Speak up and share your ideas. Your unique perspective matters, even if you're the youngest or newest person in the room. We need fresh voices to solve tomorrow's problems. 6. Find or develop hobbies that makes you happy outside of school/STEM. Play sports, make music, go hiking—whatever helps you recharge. The best solutions come from balanced people who understand real life. 7. Connect with people who inspire you. Find a cool teacher or older student who can share their experiences. Ask questions. Be curious about their journey. Remember: a technical career isn't just about being super smart with computers—it's about using technology to make life better for real people. Your social skills and creativity will take you just as far as your technical know-how!