Photovoltaics expert Georgette Udo from Nigeria

You graduated in October 2023 - what and for whom are you currently working?

I got a position as a Green Energy support engineer at the United Nations Development Program working on Photovoltaic projects all around the world as soon as I finished my master's program. Afterwards, I got the position of Research Engineer for Photovoltaics to green hydrogen at the Jülich Research Centre, where I am currently employed.

Under the umbrella of REFAGI (Renewable energy for the African Girls Initiative) I taught 200 girls in a secondary school in 2023 on how to install a solar home system. Hopefully, that encourages more girls wanting to take up careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

In 2024 the NGO MAGGREEN, which I and my colleagues from the Masters program Mary Dora Kamara and Aisha Suleiman Abba co-founded, carried out a webinar series talking to representatives of 43 out of the 54 African countries on how climate change is affecting their countries, the measures being put in place and the country's net zero goals.

Please describe in 5 sentences what your Master's thesis was about.

The title of my master's thesis was "Development of a Setup for Electroluminescence Measurement". The aim was to use a normal camera to take dark electroluminescence pictures to detect faults in photovoltaic modules. This was a qualitative approach to prove Prof. Uwe Rau's reciprocity theorem and the cost effectiveness of using a normal camera and changing filters compared to the cost of a standard electroluminescence camera. Electroluminescence is the emission of light from a material when an electric current or strong electric field passes through it.

What was your most memorable experience during the "International Master Program in Energy and Green Hydrogen"?

It would be working with my colleagues to install an 11kWp Photovoltaic system in Niger, during our 3rd semester. It was amazing getting a hands-on experience and putting my theoretical knowledge to practice and seeing the system running.

What advice would you give to a future student of the Master's program?

Come with an open mind, enjoy the process, network horizontally and vertically, stay curious and trust God.

Bonus question: Is there anything else you want to share (like a nice anecdote, how you overcame bad experiences, etc.)

Every day, present a new task; you must create your own fun as you progress through the program; it may be as easy as relaxing and playing games with friends over the weekend. Be diligent, learn from your peers, and have fun while doing it.