Solar Energy Ambassador Program

Program Details

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Solar Energy Ambassador Alexis Guidi, a Ph.D student in electrical engineering, captivates grade-12 students at Kelowna Secondary School with a hands-on demonstration of photovoltaics.

Our Solar Energy Ambassadors are highly motivated and talented graduate, undergraduate students, and postdocs who deliver courses and workshops on solar energy technology to schools and the general public. Join us in shaping a cleaner, brighter future with solar energy!

Why become a Solar Energy Ambassador?

As a student Ambassador, inspire the next generation and promote solar energy adoption through workshops, demonstrations, and presentations.

  • Motivate the next generation of researchers
  • Learn to communicate and share research with a non-scientific audience
  • Enrich your CV with teaching experience
  • Contribute to raising awareness of solar energy
Material Preparation
  • Booths: Design visual displays and interactive demonstrations to illustrate key solar energy concepts.
  • Workshops: Develop hands-on activities, educational games, and materials to provide a dynamic and participatory learning experience.
  • Lectures: Prepare engaging presentations for a younger audience.
How to participate

If you are eager to become a solar ambassador, please send a brief note outlining your preferred involvement to maria.tsemperouli@ubc.ca.

Meet a Solar Energy Ambassador Researcher

Alexis Guidi

Ph.D. Student in Electrical Engineering

My research involves spectroscopy and imaging of bio-specimens. I joined the Solar Ambassador Program to help bring science to local schools and to introduce students to the possibilities of science and engineering, with an emphasis on solar energy.

 

 

Katherine Latosinsky

M.A.Sc Student in Electrical Engineering

I’m developing next-generation perovskite-CIGS tandem solar cells using printable chemical inks—an approach that could lead to low-cost, lightweight, and flexible solar panels. My work aims to make clean energy more accessible and accelerate the transition to a stustainable future. As part of the Ammbassador Program, I’m passionate about inspiring students to explore science and engineering, and to recognize the vital role of solar power in addressing global energy challenges. Connect with me on Linkedin.

 

Sutripto Khasnabis

Ph.D. Candidate in Chemistry

 

 

 

 

Shahrukh Hossain Rian

MSc Student in Electrical Engineering

My research explores the social dimensions of solar photovoltaics (PV) adoption in urvan environments. I investigate how building codes, energy step codes, and policy frameworks shape both the opportunities and barriers to implementing solar PV systems. This work bridges technical knowledge with a broader societal lens—an essential combination in our climate-conscious era. I joined the Solar Ambassador Program to share my passion with young minds and inspire more people to contribute to the search for sustainable solutions today, for a better tomorrow.

 

Abdul-Mubarak Yussif Yidana

Ph.D. Candidate in Mechanical Engineering

I am a PhD student in Mechanical Engineering at UBC, where my research focuses on advancing rooftop solar energy through real-world data and modeling. I joined the Solar Energy Ambassador program to share my enthusiasm for solar technology and to support others in discovering its potential. If you are curious about solar energy, interested in sustainability, or looking to connect with someone working in this field, please feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn.

 

Past Events & Activities

A list of some of the events and initiatives our ambassadors have been part of.

Spring 2025 Highlights
  • UBCO Campus Visit – March 12

Hosted students from George Elliot Secondary School for a lab tour to Dr. Uhl’s Laboratory for Solar Energy and Fuels and Dr. Godin’s SolarSpec laboratory.

  • Let’s Talk Science Collaboration – April 17

Welcomed two high-school classes from Salmon Arm, BC to UBCO for hands-on solar activities.

  • George Elliot Secondary School – April 24 & 25

Delivered Introduction to Photovoltaics workshop to four Grade 11 classes.

  • KSS Engineering 11 Collaboration – May 7

Guided high-school students through hands-on exploration of solar-powered technologies.

  • Rutland Senior Secondary School- May 21 & 26
    Presented solar energy concepts to Grade 10 science classes
 Spring 2024 Highlights
  • KSS Engineering 11 Collaboration – May 8

Engaged students in solar energy applications and design

Captured Highlights