Vanessa Maclaren-Wray Email & Phone Number

Northern California

Lead analyst in major series of economic studies of viability of compressed air energy storage in over a dozen market-based utility systems in the U.S. and Europe, including collection and translation of data, operation of simulation model, coding modifications to model as desired by ultimate client, guiding other consultants performing similar analyses, managing relations with clients, and preparing and presenting reports on results.Sole investigator in studies of economics of energy storage in support of a major independent wind farm development in the United States. Developed data for market simulation, adapted existing software to perform analytical process, assessed potential for economic returns from multiple factors.As part of a major project for the California Energy Commission, developed a market-oriented system database and simulated the operation of energy storage in specific areas within the California grid.

San Martin, Ca

Sharing and communicating new information in space science, astronomy, engineering, STEM education and related fields through long-form (Facebook/blogging) and short-form (i.e., Twitter) social media platforms. Active both independently and as part of the NASA Social program, which connects social-media folks with NASA engineers & scientists on current projects.This engagement was sparked by the small start-up company which offers Pixel Gravity, a sophisticated software package for simulating n-body motion, of interest to astronomers (amateur and professional) as well as educators in astronomy (from high school to post-graduate study) and gamers or video developers needing realistic motion simulation.

While maintaining my technical consulting activities with RPG Power Systems, I have added a new position leveraging my decades of experience in the electric utility industry to provide skilled technical writing for stakeholders in this industry. As a senior writer with Hoffman Power Consulting, I will be part of a team preparing full-length reports, white papers, newsletters, technical summaries, and related documents, all with the objective of helping power industry players share knowledge and communicate goals.Though a new player on this particular team, I'm bringing to the job over 35 years of technical and writing experience in the electric power industry. In the service of a long career in the industry, written technical papers, multi-volume reports, materials for training programs and workshops, support for regulatory testimony, and literature reviews. Virtually all of my technical consulting projects have included documentation, with those projects covering a tremendous range of topics, including integration of energy storage systems with renewable energy; investment in industrial cogeneration; power, energy, and ancillary services markets; regulatory proceedings; power flows in large networks; reliability; and simulation of power systems.

San Martin, Ca

Build autonomous robots for competition and serve as a volunteer judge for youth robotics competitions. For example, as head judge at RoboGames, led a group of judges to give fair and upbeat critiques of creative, innovative robots built (and usually also designed) by young STEM fans from kindergarten through high-school ages and to award medals for the most successful participants.Coached teams of elementary- to high-school students in several different competitive robotics environments: FIRST Lego League, Robofest, MATE Underwater ROV, and RoboGames.Instructed students in skills and physical principles, managed documentation and logistics for competitions, obtained materials, and planned appropriate field expeditions. Emphasized independent thinking, research skills, ability to present project materials, and technical skill in constructing, programming, and operating (primarily autonomous) robots built from a variety of components.CGLF team members have taken home numerous awards, including the Robofest World Championship in the Exhibition Division and Gold Medals in the international RoboGames Lego Open, Vex Open, and Best of Show events. I hold both gold and silver medals of my own from the adult-level robot competitions.

In-house expert on energy system simulation, reliability planning, fuels analysis, and software design and documentation. Advised staff members and utility clients on the use of simulation software. Created solutions to planning problems posed by utility clients. Performed analytical work to demonstrate software capabilities and to diagnose client problems. Managed consulting projects, including budgeting and time management as well as supervision of staff and training of junior personnel. Participated in management of local office, including problem-solving between managers competing for resources and facilitation of communication with the home office. EMA was purchased by EDS in 1992 and is now NewEnergy Associates, and is owned by Ventyx in the ABB family of companies.

Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering/Engineering-Economic Systems

As a member of Stanford Mechanical Engineering's Thermosciences group, my work involved energy production and became focused on what is.

Master Of Science, Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor Of Science, Mechanical Engineering