How did you get into your area of work?
Laura Roberson: I became interested in the automotive industry due to the innovation and technology development that was changing the future of transportation. I spent time working for a couple different OEMs and more recently for my PhD dissertation researched EV adoption in the US and ways to further engage consumers in these future technologies.
Brian Noyes: As a big advocate for clean and renewable energy technologies, I have wanted to work for the Department of Energy since college. I decided to apply to an opening in the Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) because I wanted to take my background in engineering, project and program management, and management from the Department of the Navy and apply them in support of the Department of Energy’s goals to achieve 100% clean energy by 2035 and a net-zero emissions economy by 2050.
Stephanie Spence: I was interested in inorganic and analytical chemistry in undergrad, which led me into graduate research in lithium-ion batteries. From there, I found VTO as the perfect place to combine my interests in battery research and science communication.
Sarah Pristash: I’ve been interested in the energy transition and climate issues since middle school. I went into my PhD hoping that I could use my technical skills to solve big problems. During my studies, I learned about how scientists could engage with policy and about the AAAS fellowship. I thought it seemed like a great way to make an impact!
How long have you been at VTO/DOE?
Laura Roberson: Only a few months.
Brian Noyes: Just over 8 months
Stephanie Spence: I started as an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Fellow in VTO in February 2023 and transitioned to a Technology Development Manager in November 2024.
Sarah Pristash: I’ve been with VTO for about three months now! I’m still learning a lot but excited about the work going on here and hope I can make a meaningful contribution.
What is the best thing about your work at VTO?
Laura Roberson: The amount of exposure you can get to the entire transportation technologies landscape—there are so many beneficial and relevant projects going on across programs and the Analysis team gets to support many of these efforts, in addition to broader data and modeling.
Brian Noyes: The best thing about my work with VTO is the ability to drive partnerships across industry, academia, and government organizations to deliver results in support of the Department of Energy’s goals to achieve 100% clean energy by 2035 and a net-zero emissions economy by 2050. I can already tell you that the people have been truly incredible to work with and to learn from, and the excitement and collaboration in progressing towards and achieving our collective goals has been nothing short of incredible.
Stephanie Spence: The best thing about my work is learning about a broad range of new technologies and how they can directly impact people’s lives.
Sarah Pristash: So far, I’m excited to be learning a lot of new things – my academic research was mainly focused on solar energy materials and had nothing to do with transportation, so it’s been really exciting to start to dive into a new area! I also like doing work that has real-world impact.
What can you share about your involvement with DOE/VTO-related issues over the years?
Laura Roberson: My professional career overlapped with DOE/VTO issues through powertrain strategy and EV product planning roles where understanding and addressing future vehicle technologies were key. I also gained exposure to DOE/VTO-related research through my PhD studies into EVs.
Brian Noyes: I had the great pleasure of attending VTO’s Annual Merit Review (AMR) during my very first week on the job and truly enjoyed the opportunity to hear from VTO & EERE leadership, VTO PMs/TMs, and to get a deep dive presentation from many of our PIs on the incredible work that is occurring across the entire VTO portfolio. As the VTO Operations Manager, I coordinate across all VTO’s programs, multiple EERE technology offices, and even help document our long-term strategic priorities.
Stephanie Spence: My graduate research was focused on enabling next-generation battery chemistry for eventual EV application. I had the opportunity to attend the VTO Annual Merit Review as a graduate student which was a great introduction to all of VTO’s work.
Sarah Pristash: I’m still very new so not much, but before the AAAS fellowship, I dipped my toe (very briefly) into the entrepreneurial space, so I’ve seen some of the grant process from the other side!
What are your hobbies?
Laura Roberson: I enjoy listening to music and attending concerts (The Anthem is a new favorite venue in D.C.), maintaining my houseplant collection and traveling. I am also a D.C. and VA Tech sports fan.
Brian Noyes: My wife and I live on a farm in Darnestown, MD with two huskies (Goose & Maverick), two cats (Bear & Moody), three horses (Fraser, Carl, and Ritz), a flower farm, and a side vegetable garden which takes up a lot of our free time! When we do have some free time to spare, we love trivia, TopGolf, hiking with our huskies, fostering puppies, karaoke, gaming, relaxing at the beach, going to vineyards/wineries/breweries, cruising, playing fantasy football, and exploring new parks & restaurants!
Stephanie Spence: I like to read a lot and usually try to keep up with the latest hit TV shows! I also really like board games, trivia nights, swimming, and going to concerts.
Sarah Pristash: I enjoy watching television and movies, reading, playing video games, baking, and going to concerts.
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