CIGRE NGN: Discussion with Logan Rolles
CIGRE would like to introduce a new section in Life of the Association: Interviews from Women in Engineering and Next Generation Network. A lot of focus is given to senior CIGRE members and these interviews will present younger members and let them explain what CIGRE means to them. These Q&A interviews are short but allow us to have a new, younger perspective on CIGRE membership; they tell us what interests them in their work, as well as what their projects and goals are. These are the voices of our industry’s future. Please share with young people on your teams and encourage their membership in CIGRE!
CIGRE NGN United States
DEGREE, GRADUATION YEAR, YEARS IN INDUSTRY: BSEE from Iowa State University in 2018, 5 years of industry experience
CURRENT POSITION: Assistant Department Manager & Substation Engineer in the Burns & McDonnell Substation Department
CIGRE WG: JWG B3/A3.60, WG B5.82
What lead you to your present career or job?
Logan: I fell backwards into substation design. Through school, I was passionate about engineering, sustainability, and enjoyed my three-phase power classes – but never really knew what to do after college. Luckily, through internships in the renewables space and eventually in the substation design realm, I found a career that is challenging, has an impact on my community and the world, and is going through immense changes – which I now get to help design for.
What are you working on now that would interest ELECTRA readers?
L.: My project portfolio consists of mainly large-scale Engineer, Procure, Construct (EPC) substation design projects- the majority of which are driven by renewable interconnects. These projects always have something interesting – from interfacing with existing electromechanical relaying due to supply chain delays, to on-site problem solving at historic power stations, being able to mix the design and construction sides of my role keeps me excited to come to work. Our team has also been able to look for ways to streamline and automate designs, find synergies between our grid planning and substation groups to efficiently sequence work, and find creative outage and design solutions to hit in-service dates with equipment lead-times at record highs.
What has been the biggest challenge with your work?
L.: A fun and exciting challenge has been the pace at which our US power grid is expanding. With new major drivers like data centers, transportation electrification, and net-zero legislation, our grid is going through a reformation at a scale no one has seen before. This leads to challenging schedules, procurement dates, and new infrastructure investment structures – all of which lead to a change in the status quo.
What has been your biggest challenge balancing work and personal life?
L.: Balancing work and life – especially in the construction industry – can be tough! I’ve been fortunate to have leaders around me give me the power to “unplug” as needed. While there will always be situations that warrant travel or longer hours, I’ve been very deliberate in setting expectations of my teammates. I work hard while I’m at work but feel empowered to turn off notifications while I’m out of office. I know I’m able to ask for help when needed, and that I’ve built a brand on responsibility, trust, and friendship that allows me the freedom to separate work from personal life – At the end of the day, we all need time off work! 😊
How did you get involved in CIGRE?
L.: One of my career mentors, Mandy Olson, encouraged me to get involved! Hearing her talk about her CIGRE experiences from sitting on international working groups to attending conferences to building relationships from around the world sold me on CIGRE’s value quickly.
What do you feel is CIGRE’s ‘added value’?
L.: One of my favorite parts about CIGRE is its focus on the real-world impacts on power systems, paired with its international focus. I personally have found great value in networking and learning from experts in the power industry through working groups that focus on use and functionality of technologies and conference presentations while building friendships with other passionate professionals. I love reconnecting with my “CIGRE friends” each year at Grid of the Future and other industry events.
Why would you recommend CIGRE membership to others?
L.: CIGRE membership has been a tremendous value-add to my career. Whether you’re looking to broaden your technical understanding of key topics within the power industry, network with power professionals from across the globe, or have opportunities to lead, present, author and mentor – CIGRE has opportunities for you!
Where do you see yourself in 15 years?
L.: In 15 years, I hope to be a strong technical substation design engineer. I hope I’m able to leverage my CIGRE involvement in conferences and working groups to build a unique perspective on power system trends and technologies – And, for the sake of being hopeful, also hope I am a billionaire 😊
Do you have one major goal or do you have a bucket list? Are you willing to share this information?
L.: A goal of mine is to own a property in the Rocky Mountains – my husband and I love to ski and hike with our two dogs.
What would you like to see change in our industry in the future?
L.: As our industry continues to progress, I’m hopeful that our industry experts can continue to spread knowledge to the greater public and lawmakers. In today’s world, we are seeing many rules and regulations fall into place surrounding the energy sector with little to no tangible path through design and construction to meet these requirements. I believe our industry personnel have the knowledge, expertise, and passion to close gaps between lawmakers and industry professionals to create feasible solutions, especially as they relate to sustainability and net-zero.
If you are a WiE or NGN member and wish to be featured in an upcoming ELECTRA edition, please contact ELECTRA Editorial Team. If you are reading these and wish to join CIGRE, please visit this page.
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