��ƷSM����ӰƬ

Lipari-DiLeonardo named a Rudd Mayer Fellow by Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy 

Serena Lipari-DiLeonardo, a ��ƷSM����ӰƬ graduate student of applied mathematics and atmospheric science, has been selected as a 2023 Rudd Mayer Fellow by 

Each year, WRISE awards this fellowship on a competitive basis to current college students or recent graduates who identify as women or other marginalized genders and who are interested in expanding their knowledge and engaging in the renewable field. Fellowship selection is based on commitment to renewable energy development, academic achievement, potential for future contributions to the U.S. renewable energy community and financial need.

Serena Lipari-DiLeonardo's research and interests explore the climatology of downslope windstorms in the Front Range, and plans to assess occurrences of extreme winds in future climate simulations.

The fellowship—which honors wind  of Boulder, who passed away in 2002—aims to further diversify the wind energy workforce and the greater renewable energy workforce.

“This year’s fellows are incredibly driven, and I’m excited to see them continue their extraordinary work and impact in the industry,” said Doseke Akporiaye, WRISE executive director. 

“Clean energy is at a pivotal moment, and now more than ever, we need diverse representation and leadership in this space. If we wish to see the systemic changes that are critical to ushering in this new era of renewables, we have to be deliberate in creating opportunities to advance equitable workforce development. I’m pleased that WRISE can do its part by providing these students with the tools and access to further their careers in this space.”

The fellowship will cover the cost to attend the annual CLEANPOWER Conference and Exhibition in May in New Orleans; this year’s fellowship also will have a virtual professional development component through June. 

“Winning the WRISE Fellowship is a humbling honor, particularly because of individuals like Rudd Mayer, who have continuously inspired me through their dedication to environmental issues and nonprofit work,” Lipari-DiLeonardo said.

“I am excited for the opportunity to attend the CLEANPOWER conference and to join a community of passionate individuals who share my commitment to renewable energy and creating a sustainable future.”

Julie Lundquist, associate professor the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at ��ƷSM����ӰƬ and Lipari-DiLeonardo’s research group leader, said Lipari-DiLeonardo is deserving of the recognition from WRISE.

“Ms. Lipari-DiLeonardo gives 200 percent to all of her many activities—carrying out rigorous analysis of observations of downslope windstorms, serving as a statistical expert on multiple other projects, and thoughtfully mentoring junior scientists. Working with her has been a delight. I’m grateful that WRISE is recognizing her passion and skills with the Rudd Mayer fellowship,” Lundquist said.

Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy, formerly called Women of Wind Energy, was founded in 2005 to accelerate the transition to a sustainable and equitable energy future by igniting the collective power of community. WRISE has local chapters across the United States and Canada; national programming that includes the annual luncheon, leadership forum and fellowships, a speakers’ bureau, and a webinar series; plus a growing grassroots network of more than 15,000 participants.