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From a love of chemistry in high school, to serving as the site engineer for BWL’s REO Cogeneration Plant, one of the cleanest, most efficient plants in the United States, Rachel Sayen has been an incredible asset to BWL.

Rachel received her degree in chemical engineering from Michigan State University and was immediately hired in her first role at BWL as a project engineer. Here, she worked on special projects that other departments didn’t have the time or capacity to accomplish. This not only made her more well-rounded, but she learned very quickly what engineering at a utility company entails, which made her even more prepared for her position in the plant today.  

After three years as a project manager, Rachel was hired for the position of Electric and Steam site engineer at REO Cogeneration Plant, where she’s been for nearly four years. In that time, she’s helped lead a cross-functional project that would help to mitigate backwash or oil from mixing in the fuel-gas lines. This was a large undertaking and was recognized by the Combined Cycle Journal, which helped lower emission numbers even more.  

Working around all of the different equipment and finding solutions to problems are some of her favorite parts of the job, explaining that she never has a boring day. And when confined space testing comes around, like in the boilers, she’s there, describing the task like Christmas morning! 

For other women looking to pursue an engineering degree, Rachel says, “You can absolutely do it. My advice to others looking at engineering as a profession would be to not only explore the various engineering disciplines, but also the several industries and find what aligns with your own values.”