Annu Mary Zacharias

What is your name and what course do you study, what year are you in, what scholarship did you receive?

My name is Annu Mary Zacharias and I am a student from Kerala, India, studying MSc. Renewable Energy and Power Systems Management at City.

I am an awardee of the British Council Scholarship for Women in STEM for the year 2021. I joined City in September 2021 and am now in the second term of my course.

What were you doing before you came to study at City? 

I completed my undergraduate degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and master’s in Power Electronics from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, India.

I was working as an Assistant Professor from December 2014-August 2021 in affiliated institutions of APJ Abdul Kalam Kerala Technological University.

What has been your favorite module on the course?

As a student on the Renewable Energy and Power System Management course at City, my favorite module is Economics of Power Industry which gives a real picture of the economic concerns of power industry, real time marketing and managerial tools (contacts) that focus on the zero carbon targets.

What do you plan to do after you graduate? 

I dream to carry out my research in the field of ‘economical and safe management of power systems with high integration of renewable energy’ after completing my master's at City.

I think this field is really important as the renewable energy production is increasing to meet the set carbon reduction targets.

What would be your top tip for our applicants? 

As a current student, I would like to say to new applicants that City is one of the best places to fullfill your passion in STEM subjects.

City stands strong in its world ranking, research outputs, and contains great opportunities to chase your dreams. City also offers great support to students in their studies and as well as well-being.

What work experience or activities have you taken part in relating to your subject?

Relating to work experience, I was working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering of Mar Baselios Christian College of Engineering - I was teaching undergraduate Electrical Engineering students.

The subjects I handled include Power Electronics, the basics of Electrical engineering, Power Quality, Electrical Measurements and Instrumentation, Electric Drives and Control, and Biomedical Instrumentation.

Also, I was in charge of the circuits and measurements laboratory, being responsible for maintaining the records, checking and maintaining the laboratory, taking the quotes for equipment purchase.

What is one way we can engage other women and girls in STEM from India?

I come from Kerala, the southern-most state of India. The state has high number of Engineering colleges. The number of students - both male and female - getting into the sector is also very high.

However, the problem is that even though the women get an engineering degree in the core fields (electrical, energy, civil, mechanical), the number working in the core field is very limited. Among those who are working, most women are in the teaching field.

I think there should be an opportunity from graduate-level onwards or from higher secondary level to give some practical opportunities like apprenticeships and graduate programs in the core fields.

Also, I think there should be some programs that reach out to the local communities and make them aware of the opportunities in STEM. There should be some measures to make sure that the news of opportunities and funding reaches all undergraduate institutions.