Name: Hannah Nedzbala (she/her)
PhD: Chemistry, Yale University, 2024
What was your main area of research?
My research was at the intersection of inorganic and materials chemistry. I worked on the synthesis of hybrid photo-electrocatalytic materials, which are made up of molecular catalysts tethered to light-absorbing materials. The light absorbing material harnesses the light and enables its use as an electrical potential, and the catalyst is capable of using that potential to transform CO2 into more useful products like commodity chemicals or fuels.
What is your current job?
I am a Clean Energy Innovator Fellow (CEIF) at the NY State Energy Research and Development Authority in Albany, NY.
I conduct technoeconomic research on a variety of clean energy technologies to help determine which technologies are most suited for NY state to achieve its clean energy goals. This involves project management, coordination with external consultants, conducting research, and engaging with subject matter experts.
I love the fact that I am a part of the clean energy transition in NY. The fact that I'm sitting in rooms, participating in conversations, that are actually changing the energy landscape of NY state. It feels important and exciting and keeps me motivated even when I encounter challenges.
How did you find this position? What were the career steps you took to get to where you are now?
It is a U.S. Department of Energy fellowship that was advertised to my PI, and he sent the notification to me.
PhD. graduate ➡️ CEIF Fellow
Why did you decide to not pursue a career in academia?
It was a fairly easy decision. I enjoyed teaching, but I did not enjoy the academic research environment and found a lot of problems with academic institutions, like tenure. I also fairly quickly realized that I had no interest in doing a postdoc, which is more or less required to stay in academia.
What advice do you have for someone getting their PhD and looking to pursue a career outside of academia?
It's never too early to start making connections. I wish I had started earlier. Don't be afraid to contact old lab mates / graduate students and ask them to tell you about their journey and introduce you to anyone you think could be helpful.
The "you got a PhD in X from Y university, you'll have no problem getting a job!" line gets pretty old. The post-PhD job market is really tough and isolating. Keep your head up, keep applying, and keep making more contacts.
For those interested in policy, there are lots of government fellowships that are a great jumping off point, especially if you're interested in branching out from your expertise. Check out https://www.zintellect.com/Catalog if you're interested