Pranjali Muley, Ph.D., an NETL researcher whose work on the Lab’s Reaction Engineering Team is advancing the next breakthroughs in microwave reaction engineering, was recognized as a Technology Rising Star at the 2023 Women of Color STEM Digital Twin Experience Conference.

Held in Detroit on Oct. 12-14, the conference honored the impactful achievements of diverse leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) while emphasizing the importance of diversity in these fields. This year’s conference theme was “Waves of Change, Oceans of Opportunity.”

“At NETL, we are using microwave technology to transform reaction chemistry,” Muley said. “To make these and other discoveries, it is crucial to have a workforce from diverse backgrounds to bring forward fresh ideas and different points of view to solve complex problems and make the necessary breakthroughs to attain a sustainable energy future. I am proud to work at NETL, an organization that embraces diversity and inclusion.”

According to Dushyant Shekhawat, supervisor, Reaction Engineering Team, Muley is a highly effective technical leader and subject matter expert whose research experience broadly spans from thermochemical conversion and catalytic upgrading of biofuels to developing new and efficient chemical catalysts for biofuel applications. Her other research interests include developing sustainable energy solutions through numerical modeling and experimental design.

Muley is also a role model who inspires the next generation of skilled professionals to succeed in STEM-related areas.

“This award is presented to women with less than 15 years in the workforce who are helping to shape technology for the future. Pranjali is certainly deserving of this recognition,” Shekhawat said.

Alongside a diverse range of events designed to foster collaboration, education and personal development, the annual conference organizes a prestigious awards ceremony to recognize extraordinary women from diverse backgrounds. It also serves as a vital platform for sharing best practices and implementing strategies to attract and retain more women in scientific and technical careers.

NETL is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory that drives innovation and delivers technological solutions for an environmentally sustainable and prosperous energy future. By leveraging its world-class talent and research facilities, NETL is ensuring affordable, abundant and reliable energy that drives a robust economy and national security, while developing technologies to manage carbon across the full life cycle, enabling environmental sustainability for all Americans.