SEDV Student Profile: Connecting Academic Insight to Real-World Energy Challenges

Karen G. Garrido joined the Sustainable Energy Development (SEDV) program with extensive knowledge and experience. Originally from Peru, Garrido is an economist with both a master’s degree in public policy and an MBA. She also received training from Johns Hopkins University and worked in international social development across labour, health, and education. Garrido gained experience in stakeholder engagement, worked at the Development Bank for Latin America and the Caribbean, and pursued accreditations related to green funding.

Originally considering nine schools and torn between Australia and Canada, Garrido ultimately chose SEDV upon receiving acceptance.

“I’m very happy that I chose to come here,” Garrido said. “The city has grown on me and the opportunity to be here in Calgary, Alberta where everything is related to energy is both valuable and interesting.”

When selecting her capstone topic, Garrido knew she wanted something she could engage with deeply for nine months and would push her outside of her comfort zone since most of her prior experience was in social development.

The airport she partnered with offered three project options: vehicle fleet electrification, waste management, and aircraft emissions reduction. The final topic chosen was a techno-economic study on aircraft emissions reduction. Her industry partner sought a comprehensive analysis that connected insights across engineering, operations, economics, and policy.

Garrido shared that she faced numerous challenges during her capstone.

“There were a lot of setbacks,” she said, “From my computer crashing and losing all my data to frequent revision of research questions due to data gaps.”

Although Garrido faced many challenges throughout her capstone project, including technological challenges that significantly stalled her progress, she was still able to complete the project in five weeks through intensive work.

Her project, Techno-Economic Study on Aircraft Emissions Reduction at YYC Calgary International Airport, focused on three operational emissions sources: aircraft engines, Ground Support Equipment (GSE), and Auxiliary Power Units. Through the project, she learned about aircraft types and engines, diesel, natural gas, and electric GSE, and airport turnaround operations.

“Visiting the airport tarmac was both exciting and valuable,” Garrido said, reflecting on the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these operations firsthand. “Being able to see all the huge aircraft that are coming and moving and all the vehicles that are served… Grasping the on-the-ground scope of my theoretical research was equally mind-blowing and exhilarating.”

Garrido positively reflected SEDV’s strong industry connections, noting how they enriched her practical learning experience with emissions, energy efficiency, cost savings, cost-benefit analysis, and stakeholder priorities. These transferable skills extend to other transportation sectors and position her well for her career.

“Connecting theory with reality is the important part,” Garrido explained, when discussing her experience with working with industry partners. “As much as you can learn in the classroom, real-life application has unexpected challenges that push you to innovate new solutions.”

When asked about advice for future students, Garrido’s answers were simple, but effective.

“There are certain qualities you need persistence, detail-orientation and flexibility. Connections with supervisors are also critical: you need to choose someone who is a good fit for your learning goals and put effort into building strong relationships with your academy and industry mentors,” she said.

She also reflected on how these relationships supported her through the challenges she faced. Meeting regularly with supervisors, asking questions, and maintaining those connections helped her feel supported throughout the process.

Lastly, Garrido emphasized the importance of staying positive. Although her capstone journey was far from smooth, maintaining a positive mindset helped her push through difficulties.

Garrido was awarded the SEDV Capstone Research Excellence Award in recognition of her outstanding research project and the effort required to complete it. She described the award as recognition of her perseverance, hard work, creativity, and ability to deliver under challenging conditions.

“My capstone journey felt like a turbulent flight,” Garrido said. “The award was my smooth landing.”