Energy Systems Engineer (ESIA)
Education: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering (Comillas Pontifical University, Spain); M.S. in Electrical Engineering (SUPÉLEC, France); M.S. in Industrial Economics (Paris-Sud University, France)
Hobbies: Sailing on Lake Michigan during the spring and summer, skiing in the winter; he also publishes videos on YouTube, where he solves undergrad and graduate-level math problems.
Quentin Ploussard is an Energy Systems Engineer in Argonne National Laboratory’s Energy Systems and Infrastructure Analysis (ESIA) division; he uses math to optimize hydropower (energy that comes from water turning a turbine) to solve challenges that affect the nation and world.
As far as he can remember, Quentin was always interested in science.
“I always knew I wanted to work with math and science,” he said. “I used to open my dad’s science magazines when I was not even 10; even though I did not understand much at that time, I remember being fascinated by what I was reading. I wanted to understand everything, and I very often questioned things, to the point that my high school physics teacher nicknamed me ‘Mr. Question.’”
By the end of high school, Quentin had become curious about issues related to energy resources. He decided to pursue a career in the energy and environmental field, leading to where he is today at Argonne.
In ESIA, Quentin is currently using math to develop models (computer representations of the real thing) to solve several important scientific challenges. For instance, he is researching how hydropower plants can continue to generate clean energy for the power grid despite recent extended droughts caused by climate change. He is also identifying the next generation large-scale battery systems to help integrate more renewable energy sources (wind and solar) into the grid. This transition to a clean power grid is critical for future generations to live in a world that someday will no longer depend on fossil fuels.
“It feels good to do work that has meaning,” he said. “But what I enjoy the most about my job is to frequently learn new things and solve new problems. As my chemistry teacher used to say: ‘Everything is interesting, as long as you get interested in it.’”
In terms of advice for students, Quentin encourages them to consider as many STEM-related jobs as possible by talking to people in those fields and taking internships.
“If STEM topics do not seem that appealing to you, but you’re still interested in a STEM-related career, try to see how STEM knowledge can be useful in your everyday life,” he said. “There is something very satisfying about finally understanding how an engine works, or how a machine can be repaired. If you feel you are not as good at something as you would like to be, that’s okay. It may take some time to understand or feel comfortable with a topic, and curiosity is always an excellent driver to improve a skill.”