Dr. Najoua Jouini specializes in energy efficiency and sustainability. She joined Tetra Tech in 2017 and applies her experience to the buildings, energy, environmental management, and resource management markets. Najoua has earned several degrees and graduate certificates, including a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Stuttgart, Germany, where she double majored in Energy Efficiency and Energy Economics and Systems Analysis. She earned her Doctorate in Environment and Resources, which includes two graduate certificates in Energy Analysis and Policy and Environment, Business, and Social Responsibility, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. We spoke with Najoua as part of our #INWED19 campaign to not only celebrate our brilliant women engineers but also to raise their profiles to encourage those who aspire to become engineers and to work in STEM. Follow #WomenInStem on social media for more stories.

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What do you like about working at Tetra Tech?

My job with Tetra Tech gives me the opportunity to work on diverse and challenging projects while helping our clients be more energy efficient and sustainable. I also work with a great, talented, and dedicated team that fosters creativity and innovation.

What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?

I love mathematics and problem solving. Engineering allows me to tackle complex problems using hands-on tools and therefore have a positive impact on people’s lives.

What is the greatest advice you could pass onto female students who aspire to have a career in engineering?

Choose meaningful problems to work on, join an inclusive team, push past gender stereotypes, be self-confident, and make your voice heard.

What do you look forward to in the years to come in the engineering field?

Great advancements in tackling environmental problems, working across disciplines, and bridging the gaps between engineering and social sciences to provide more comprehensive human-oriented solutions. This can be partly achieved through providing opportunities for diverse and cross-functional collaborations—diverse not just in gender but also in race, background, etc.

What would you like to see engineering firms do differently or improve on in the future?

I would like to see more female leaders at or near the top of organizations. Engineering firms should make it a priority to attract and retain women engineers and should be transparent about it. Engineering firms should also provide opportunities for mentorship and an inclusive culture.