Can you briefly introduce yourself?
I’m Christopher Brem. I got my Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering, and my Master’s in Power Engineering from Maseeh College. I’m currently a Principal Planning Engineer at Portland General Electric.
In layman’s terms, what does your field of engineers/computer scientists do?
My specific field is Transmission Planning. Basically, we plan projects that will help improve transmission across the grid, especially modernization projects. We run models of different scenarios: in peak times, where are failures happening? And then try to improve those scenarios. We’re also the team that has to negotiate and prioritize projects in response to budget constraints.
What led you to Power Engineering?
I was originally a biology student, but there are few clear options for how to use that degree if you don’t go on to medical school. I was drawn to engineering initially because there is a concrete career path attached. Plus, I liked math. It was obvious that the power sector was going to be changing a lot, and a lot of people would be retiring so there would be jobs available.
Do you have any words of wisdom for current Maseeh students?
Get your engineering degree and find a career that feels fulfilling. If you are interested in power engineering, there are jobs here that are both fulfilling and available.
How did Maseeh College help you prepare for your career?
Power systems classes were very useful in my career at the electric utility. Power students have found good opportunities in the utility and consultancy industries. We have shown up well prepared even for internships. Most of my classmates felt like they made a good decision when there were jobs waiting to be filled
What was your favorite aspect/experience/moment/class/professor at Maseeh College?
The first thing that comes to mind is Cameron V. shorting 208 volts in the lab right in front of professor Bob Bass. More generally, I remember hanging out in the Circuit Lounge in the Engineering building and seeing students working on solving important problems. It was a great place to both hang out and work on cool engineering problems.
What are you most hopeful about in terms of engineering/computer science and/or engineering/computer science future innovations in your field?
Decarbonizing the electric grid. In particular, batteries are really important for the renewable industry, because they can help even out the output from renewables that are inherently variable. It’s a new thing on the grid which I expect will find its way to being very useful.