Name: Samantha Montella
Where are you from: Massapequa, New York
Major: Environmental & Natural Resource Economics
Expected Graduation date: Spring 2020

What is your responsibility as a 2019 URI Energy Fellow (i.e. what team are you on/where are you working)?
I’m working with Vensys Energy Inc., a German wind energy company that provides customers with site-specific turbines and all-round maintenance service. Currently, I’m helping the wind turbine technicians and project managers by creating useful spreadsheets to consolidate data and make the data-entry process easier when they come back to the office after a long day of working on the turbines. I’m looking forward to working with my supervisor to develop and design a new business model to bring his new product and service ideas to both new and existing markets. The most rewarding part of my job is being able to use my own innovative ideas to make day-to-day tasks simpler for my colleagues because I know that the work that I’m doing is allowing for more time to be focused on providing sustainable energy for our future.

What do you like to do in your free time? Are you involved in any other organizations or activities on campus?
On campus, I volunteer my time as a CELS (College of the Environment and Life Sciences) Student Ambassador where I get to share my own college experience with prospective students and their families at events. In my free time, I enjoy going on hikes with my camera because I love photography and being outdoors. I also like to spend time embroidering, weaving and doing yoga; these are the best ways to unwind after a busy day.