In this episode of "Doing What Works: Exploring the Blue Economy," features an interview with Terrence Mosley, Senior Advisor for STEM and University Partnerships at the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The conversation explores Mosley's background, including his experience at an HBCU and in the automotive industry, before delving into his current role promoting diversity in STEM fields and clean energy. Mosley discusses various initiatives to attract underrepresented groups to careers in renewable energy, including the blue economy. He emphasizes the importance of exposing students to these emerging fields early and creating pathways for diverse talent to enter the workforce. The episode also touches on broader challenges and opportunities in implementing renewable energy technologies across the United States.
What You'll Learn in This Episode
- The importance of HBCUs in providing a strong foundation for students of color in STEM fields.
- How the Department of Energy is working to diversify the pipeline of students entering clean energy careers
- The critical need for new talent in the hydropower industry as many current workers approach retirement
- The role of competitions and prizes in engaging students with emerging fields like algae-based bioenergy
- Challenges in implementing consistent renewable energy policies across different U.S. states
About Our Guest
Terrence Mosley is a leading voice in STEM education and workforce development. He is dedicated to creating pathways to careers in renewable energy. As the Senior Advisor for STEM and University Partnerships at the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, he champions diversity and inclusion in the clean energy sector. His work is about building a skilled and equitable workforce and ensuring everyone has a place in the future of energy.
Impactful Quotes
"There's no way we can meet any of our goals in clean energy if we don't have enough people to take part in the transition."
– Terrence Mosley
"My first job was hard labor; I had to get out and haul wheelbarrows full of concrete and mortar to brick layers to work on residential projects and commercial projects all across Central Mississippi. I think the first lesson number one was that it taught you about hard work and having to be able to talk with folks."
– Terrence Mosley
"Little things that you might be working on now, little programs that you've had in effect that are developing, those things can come to fruition at any time if you go to a new organization, a new place."
– Terrence Mosley
"If we had that green light that you talk about, and if you could fully implement and connect to the grid in all of the ways that are out there and that are possible, if you could do that, we would really benefit the people of this country so much because we would have access to lower cost energy."
– Terrence Mosley
"Now we’re in our second cohort of summer of students where we’ve had over 20 students now that we’re helping to sponsor to get in. They’re all underrepresented areas of STEM, which is Hispanic Americans, African Americans and Native Americans."
– Terrence Mosley
