CSE alumna honored with UMAA U40 Alumni Leader Award

Rebekah Feist has amassed impressive body of work in short career

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (9/15/2016)—Rebekah Feist (ChemE ’02, EE M.S. ’04, Ph.D. ’07) has received the University of Minnesota Alumni Association's U40 Alumni Leader Award. The award is given to a graduate of the University of Minnesota, age 40 or younger, who has excelled in a career or public service.

A three-time graduate of the University of Minnesota, Feist, 36, has amassed an impressive body of work since completing her Ph.D. in 2007. She began her career with Dow Chemical Company in 2007, and focuses her research work on solar and other forms of renewable energy. She is an innovator in the field of photovoltaics (the conversion of solar energy to electricity), with more than 25 patent applications, in addition to more than 25 publications.

Her first position was as research scientist with Dow Solar where she helped develop the Dow POWERHOUSE solar shingle system, which was commercialized in 2011. The system provided the world with a new renewable energy option. Since September 2014, Feist has served as a Core Research and Development Strategy Leader. Her responsibilities touch on solar energy, photovoltaics, alternative energy, and personal care.

Feist is considered a leader in her work and volunteer service. In her role at Dow, she manages a group of 10 in the research and development area, mentors young scientists, and leads a diverse team that works in partnership with multiple Dow businesses and customers. She also volunteers through the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) by serving as associate editor for the IEEE’s Journal of Photovoltaics and as publicity chair for its annual Photovoltaics Conference.

Feist was recently honored by Dow as one of its “Human Element Heroes,” and has dedicated her career to addressing one of today's most critical world challenges—discovering alternative, renewable energy sources.