In the ever-evolving landscape of renewable energy, RRC stands out not just for its pioneering projects but also for its remarkable leaders, one of whom is Danielle Vournas, Engineering Manager for the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) team. With a blend of expertise in renewable energy engineering and a sincere commitment to her team, Danielle is not just a leader; she’s a strong voice for women in STEM and a driving force for innovation at RRC.
Danielle’s journey from a curious undergraduate interested in battery technology to the leader of RRC’s BESS team is a testament to her passion for renewable energy and relentless pursuit of excellence. Danielle has transitioned through various facets of engineering, always with an eye toward sustainability and innovation. “I started working in a commercial battery research lab while pursuing my undergraduate degree [at the Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT)] which continued on through my graduate time,” Danielle recalls. “My role was a blend of chemistry and engineering, which allowed me to explore battery materials and cells down to the atomic level, design and build innovative cell construction and test fixtures, perform forensic analysis on failed commercial cells, and sometimes light things on fire.”
With a bachelor’s degree [from OIT] in renewable energy engineering and a master’s degree in computer and electrical engineering from Portland State University, Danielle’s educational journey laid a solid foundation for her career. Her graduate thesis work designing control systems for magnetically geared wind turbines led her to a stint at Jacobs Engineering designing upgrades for hydroelectric control systems and writing PLC code to control industrial waste processes at a semiconductor chip manufacturer. While these experiences were rewarding, her experiences working with batteries resonated more, and her journey to find her next role in batteries led her to RRC.
Under Danielle’s guidance, the BESS team’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in battery storage and renewable energy is a source of pride for RRC. “Our work is contributing to the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure, and that’s worth celebrating every day,” says Danielle, encapsulating the essence of the BESS team’s mission and RRC’s commitment to renewable energy.
Danielle’s approach to leadership is both inspiring and practical, marked by empathy, inclusivity, and a steadfast focus on professional growth and team cohesion. “I try to lead with empathy as much as possible,” Danielle shares, underscoring her philosophy of meeting her team members where they are, to foster an environment where everyone can thrive. “Being a consultant in a sector that is this nascent can be chaotic, and I see the stress of that roll through my team. But the crucible of new technology, new codes, and unpredictability of players also creates great opportunities for growth in the right people. My team is made up of those people; and we are going to continue to see great things from them.”
As a woman in engineering, Danielle navigates her career with a blend of tenacity and insight. She emphasizes the significance of fostering a supportive community for women in engineering, advocating for initiatives within RRC to empower female engineers. Her vision extends to cultivating a culture of mentorship and networking, aiming to bridge the gender gap in the engineering domain. “I want to acknowledge that I stand on the shoulders of many that came before me, who worked in environments and companies far less friendly to women. While I believe the landscape has improved, sometimes it is still hard to be one of the few, sometimes the only, woman at the table. As I continue to develop as a leader, I want to use that platform anyway I can to support women in STEM.”
Under Danielle’s leadership, RRC’s BESS team has more than doubled in size and that growth will continue. Their growing experience and capabilities have made them a respected and valued voice in the industry, and the continued arc of their development promises great things ahead. Her ability to drive innovation while fostering a culture of empathy and inclusivity is what makes Danielle a true leader.