Energy Consultant Mary Dinan (née O’Connell) graduated from the MSc in 2012. Here she talks to us about her job, some of the things she loves, some which she loves to hate and her memories of the Sustainable Energy Futures course.
What is your job title?
Energy Consultant at DNV GL
What do you actually do?
I assess operating renewable energy plants for the purposes of maximising energy performance, minimising downtime and reducing operations and maintenance costs, often to resolve operating issues or assist in valuation of wind farms.
Where are you if you are not in your office/lab/field?
Exploring! – I’ve just returned from six months of sabbatical leave which I spent travelling through South America and South East Asia.
Which living person do you most admire?
Usually the last TED talk speaker I’ve seen.
What’s your favourite book?
Oscar Wilde – The Picture of Dorian Gray.
What or who would you consign to room 101?
Coal.
What would your super power be?
Eidetic memory.
Who would play you in the film of your life story?
Saoirse Ronan.
What is your favourite word?
Petrichor.
How would you like to be remembered?
Simply as someone who used their time & energy for good.
What’s the most important lesson life has taught you?
Happiness is an attitude.
What is your favourite memory of your MSc in Sustainable Energy Futures?
Graduating with my friends at the Royal Albert Hall.
How did your studies prepare you for your future career?
The MSc gave me a holistic overview of the energy industry and helped me leave Imperial with a much better knowledge of the technical, economic and policy aspects of sustainable energy technologies and the energy industry as a whole.
Are you still in touch with any of the people you studied with?
Yes– there’s always someone to meet up with in London and many of my classmates attended my wedding in Ireland last year. This month we will be meeting up in South Africa!
How would you sum up your time at on MSc in three words?
Intense, insightful and inspiring.
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