Meet the Team: PowerFlex & MaxSolar Interns

PowerFlex
July 30, 2020

At PowerFlex, we’re proud of our talented team of passionate solar professionals. In this edition of Meet the Team, in honor of National Intern Day, we’re highlighting our team of Summer 2020 Interns.

Amanda Welch – Business Development Intern at PowerFlex

What are you currently studying/what was your major?

I graduated this May with a Bachelor of Science in Regional Planning and a Bachelor of Arts in International Sustainable Business from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

What interests you about the renewable energy space?

Our world runs on energy. Global energy consumption will continue to increase as the population grows and as developing countries shift from primary to advanced economies. In order to avoid the continued degradation of our ecosystems, we must harness renewable energy and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Renewable energy is not only good for the environment but encourages innovation, equitable access to energy resources, and increased integration among all verticals within the public and private sectors.

What have you enjoyed so far about the internship?

Despite joining the team virtually, I can tell that the company culture fosters inclusion and creativity which has made me feel welcome. As for the work, I have enjoyed understanding the varying angles that commercial businesses take when pursuing solar and how to better engage with the economic, financial, and environmental aspects of a project.

What is a fun fact about yourself?

Last spring, I studied the effects of plastic leachate on coral reef communities around the Gulf of Thailand. Despite the exotic species and tropical landscape, the combination of crashing waves and scorching sun was brutal, working in the lab was preferable!

Banafsheh (Bani) Pouyanfar – Data Analyst Intern at MaxSolar

What are you currently studying/what was your major?

Currently, I am working on a Master’s in Energy Systems Engineering at Rutgers University.

What interests you about the renewable energy space?

I care a lot about the environment and it always shocks me, in a good way of course, when I see the innovative ideas in the renewable energy space being developed to use better resources and help save and rebuild the earth and environment. I love all the “thinking outside of the box” going on in this sector.

What have you enjoyed so far about the internship?

I am finding that a lot of things I have been learning in school are useful and my knowledge is being developed even further through my internship at MaxSolar. I am learning a lot about the solar industry, something that has always interested me, and, most importantly, I am working with an amazing team. It feels so good to have friendly people around who are supportive and eager to help, I feel blessed.

What is a fun fact about yourself?

I have a non-identical twin sister with straight hair.

Dajen Simon – Supply Chain Analyst Intern at PowerFlex

What are you currently studying/what was your major?

I graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management from Arizona State University.

What interests you about the renewable energy space?

The renewable energy space allows for the development of sustainable energy systems. This reduces the dependence on fossil fuel imports and is a viable solution to prevent environmental degradation/climate change.

What have you enjoyed so far about the internship?

I am enjoying working with Edgar to learn more about the solar procurement process. The internship has provided a hands-on experience communicating with vendors, organizing/tracking equipment shipments, and reconciling inventory. The PowerFlex team has been very supportive and it is a positive work environment.

What is a fun fact about yourself?

I enjoy playing soccer and baseball. Another fun fact is I lived in Singapore.

Carla Anderson – Project Management Intern at PowerFlex

What are you currently studying/what was your major?

I am currently studying Supply Chain Management with a specialization in Sustainability at Rutgers University.

What interests you about the renewable energy space?

What interests me about the renewable energy space is working in an industry that is making a difference. Working alongside others who share the same ethics and values as myself feels inspiring and motivating. I am proud to be a part of an industry that is addressing the environmental challenges that we face today and making the world a better place for future generations.

What have you enjoyed so far about the internship?

What I have enjoyed so far about this internship is having the opportunity to work alongside and learn from industry-leading talent. Even more so, PowerFlex’s cross-functional team structure has allowed me to work with team members across each department and gain a holistic understanding of the company and the solar industry as a whole. In particular, going on-site visits with the Project Managers has been my favorite part of this internship because it is exciting and rewarding to see our hard work come to fruition while also gaining technical experience.

What is a fun fact about yourself?

A fun fact about myself is that I speak Italian and am a Dual Italian Citizen. Growing up, I spent almost every summer visiting my grandfather and cousins in Catania, Sicily.

Hannah Contreras – Engineering Intern at PowerFlex

What are you currently studying/what was your major?

I am pursuing a Materials Science and Engineering degree with a minor in Sustainable Energy Systems at Cornell University.

What interests you about the renewable energy space?

I think that climate change is the paramount issue facing this generation and that clean energy, specifically solar photovoltaics, has significant, untapped potential to truly mitigate the carbon emissions crisis and do so in an economically beneficial fashion.

What have you enjoyed so far about the internship?

I am enjoying learning from such knowledgeable people – all facets of the solar industry from designing solar systems to being able to see them built in reality through site visits in multiple development phases.

What is a fun fact about yourself?

Last winter, I was able to attend the United Nations COP25 meeting on climate change in Madrid, Spain as part of a class delegation and on a personal level, I have been skydiving and have a dog and two cats.

At PowerFlex, we value integrity, hard work, and collaboration. Our teams work together to provide customized, turnkey solar solutions to our commercial clients. If you’re interested in going solar or joining our team, contact us today. To see our open positions, visit our Careers page.