Alexandra Hakala has an extensive educational background. She graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in geosciences with a certificate in environmental studies from Princeton University in 2003. In 2008, she earned her doctorate in earth sciences from The Ohio State University, where she was a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Science to Achieve Results Graduate Fellow. That same year, Hakala started her career at NETL.

She has proved herself to be extremely knowledgeable as she is the author of more than 70 technical publications focused on multiple energy geoscience topics and has mentored more than 30 students and postdocs. Hakala received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers in 2017 and became an Oppenheimer Science and Energy Leadership Program Fellow in 2023.

Today, Hakala is the acting NETL chief research officer. In this position, she directs the organization’s research activities and frames science and technology (S&T) strategic plans based on broad assessments and evaluations of current and emerging energy challenges.

In addition, she serves as an NETL senior fellow, providing strategic leadership across multidisciplinary geoscience and engineering research teams executing R&D to ensure prudent development of natural resources for energy extraction, water management and climate change mitigation.

Hakala represents NETL on the Network of National Laboratories for Environmental Management and Stewardship and is active in geothermal R&D via DOE-Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s Geothermal Technologies Office.

According to Hakala, Women’s History Month is an important time to highlight and acknowledge contributions by women to our society.

“The recognition of these past accomplishments provides examples of how contributions from all members of society can impact history,” added Hakala.

Alexandra Hakala