Sara Sultan
About Sara Sultan
Sara Sultan is a Graduate Research Assistant at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, focusing on hydropower systems and energy efficiency. She founded Coaching Alley, a mentoring platform for graduate school preparation, and actively contributes to policy development for sustainable energy practices.
Work at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Sara Sultan has been employed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory as a Graduate Research Assistant since 2018. In this role, she focuses on the development of innovative energy systems, contributing to research that aims to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability. Her work involves designing heat pump integrated thermal energy storage systems for residential buildings, utilizing advanced materials such as salt hydrate phase change materials to improve demand response capabilities.
Education and Expertise
Sara Sultan holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Energy Science and Engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, which she completed from 2018 to 2023. Prior to this, she earned a Master’s Degree in Energy System Engineering from the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) between 2014 and 2016. Her educational background provides a strong foundation in energy systems, with a specific focus on sustainable practices and technologies.
Background in Research and Development
During her time as an exchange scholar at Oregon State University in 2016, Sara Sultan worked as a Visiting Research Scholar for four months. In the Humanitarian Lab, she focused on hydropower systems and developed controls for a grid-integrated heat pump mediated thermal storage system. This project aimed to optimize operational efficiency while reducing the carbon footprint associated with energy consumption.
Entrepreneurial Initiative with Coaching Alley
Sara Sultan founded Coaching Alley, a personalized mentoring platform designed to assist students in preparing for graduate school. Through this initiative, she provides guidance on writing application essays and tailoring resumes, helping prospective students navigate the complexities of the application process effectively.
Contributions to Energy Policy Development
Sara Sultan is actively involved in policy development aimed at improving energy consumption efficiency and transitioning away from fossil fuels in residential buildings within the US market. Her work in this area reflects her commitment to promoting sustainable energy practices and addressing environmental challenges.