Kassie Grimes

Kassie Grimes

Science and Technology Policy Fellow, Department of Energy
MD

Engineers!

Vanessa Li
Jordan Etten
Laura Halverson
Sara DaSilva
Alyssa Apsel
Suniti Bidikar
Susan Burkett
Priya Singha
Rae Anne Rushing
Stacey DelVecchio
Colleen Spiegel
Kristine Weed
Energy
Environment
Close Up
  • What I Do

    I'm starting a new role in the Building Technologies Office of the US Department of Energy. My work focuses on managing commercial building energy efficiency programs as well as strategizing ways to bring more diverse perspectives into the energy efficiency field.

  • Why Engineering?

    I chose engineering at a young age because I was concerned about the future of our climate and the health of our ecosystem. I wanted to pursue a career that would provide me with the skills and training to solve some of the world's most challenging problems in climate and environmental health.

  • School Days

    BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rowan University (Glassboro, New Jersey)
    MS and PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA)

  • Best Part

    My favorite part of my work as an engineer is confronting real-world challenges and developing solutions that can improve lives and protect the environment. It's such a rewarding career path!

  • Want to be an Engineer?

    An engineering degree opens so many doors for your future career. An engineering education gives you skills in problem-solving and pushes you to work hard, which are important skills for every type of job. My engineering education has led me down career paths I never knew existed when I first started as an undergraduate student.

    Also, don't give up! Engineering is a tough major, but you can get through it! I struggled early on with many of the general math and science courses needed for my degree, but I sought out extra help outside of class and pushed through. I'm so glad I stuck with it because my engineering degrees have led me to my dream career path.

  • Hobbies

    I really enjoy hiking as a way to clear my head, reconnect with nature, and exercise. I also love spending time with my Persian-mix cat named Mochi. While social distancing, I've gotten very into knitting as both a creative outlet and a way to embrace slow fashion and slow consumption (valuing our planet's finite resources).

Biography
I am a Science and Technology Policy Fellow for the Building Technologies Office of the Department of Energy. I work on energy efficiency projects for commercial buildings in the US. My career goal is to use my engineering skills to solve environmental challenges and their social impacts. I hold a BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Rowan University and an MS and PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Virginia.
Volunteer Opportunities
  • I am willing to be contacted by educators for possible speaking engagements in schools or in after school programs or summer camps.
  • I am willing to serve as science fair judge or other temporary volunteer at a local school.
  • I am willing to be contacted about potential job shadowing by interested students.
  • I am willing to be interviewed by interested students via email.