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By Carmine Hanks

Washington State University Tri-Cities Institute for Northwest Energy Futures’ (INEF) Director Noel Schulz was recently elected to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Board of Directors.

The IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization known for bringing together engineers, scientists, and professionals to promote the development of technology and its applications worldwide. Schulz, Bob Ferguson Endowed Professor, will serve as the Division VII Director-Elect for 2025 and Division VII Director for 2026 and 2027. She will steer IEEE initiatives and policies that enhance the organization’s mission to foster technological innovation for the benefit of humanity.

“I am deeply honored to join the IEEE Board of Directors,” Schulz said. “This role represents an opportunity to collaborate with global leaders in engineering and technology, ensuring IEEE continues to be at the forefront of innovation and professional development.

Many of today’s pressing engineering challenges are in power and energy and demand complex, cross-cutting solutions. Schulz’s strategic vision and commitment to finding opportunities in challenges will be pivotal in guiding IEEE’s efforts to tackle critical societal issues such as energy transition, climate change, and technological equity.

“The engineering community eagerly anticipates her contributions, confident that her expertise and leadership will enhance IEEE’s mission,” said Partha Pande, interim dean of the ������ Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture. “In this leadership position, Schulz represents to an international audience the importance of ongoing support for academic institutions such as ������ in preparing a qualified and resourceful future workforce.”

Previously, Schulz served as a volunteer leader for 12 years on the IEEE Power & Engineering Society (PES) Governing Board, including two years as PES president. The Division VII Director position is elected by the 38,000+ members of the IEEE PES, reflecting the trust and respect Schulz has garnered among IEEE members globally.

Schulz has made significant impacts in the field of power and energy, one of the key areas encompassed by Division VII, which also includes industry applications and electronic materials. Before becoming INEF’s director, Schulz served as the Edmund O. Schweitzer III Chair in Power Apparatus and Systems at ������, where she built an exceptional career focused on power systems engineering, academic leadership, and energy sustainability.

Additionally, Schulz brings expertise in coordinating global efforts and humanitarian work. She was the U.S. administrative lead for the Department of Energy-funded U.S.-India Collaborative for Smart Distribution Systems with Storage (UI-ASSIST) and worked to bring electricity to Harnoo village in India, significantly enhancing its women’s quality of life and economic security.

“Noel will do great things in this role,” stated Sandra Haynes, chancellor for ������ Tri-Cities. “As a renowned engineer and educator, this achievement spotlights Noel’s longstanding contributions to the engineering community and her leadership in advancing innovation and talented individuals within the field.”