Kaitlyn Bunker

Working as a director at Rocky Mountain Institute’s Global South program, Kaitlyn Bunker ’10 ’12 ’14 is helping develop clean energy systems for numerous island nations in the Caribbean and Pacific.

“I’ve enjoyed working deeply with stakeholders in different countries to chart their optimal pathways to meet their energy system priorities,” she said. “Our work is making a direct positive impact on their communities and demonstrating what is possible in other geographies.”

Bunker’s journey to making a difference started at Michigan Tech with a Summer Youth Program called Women in Engineering. The path continued with her gaining three degrees—a bachelor’s in electrical engineering (EE) in 2010, followed by a master’s and PhD in EE in 2012 and 2014, respectively.

While at Michigan Tech, Bunker was involved in many activities including Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Circle K Service Fraternity, Catholic Campus Ministries, and Full Throttle Motorcycle Club. She was recognized as a Michigan Tech Woman of Promise in 2010 and earned fellowships from the National Science Foundation.

“Michigan Tech was a great fit for me,” she said. “I loved the location and all of the outdoor activities I could do in different seasons.”

She credits Professor Wayne Weaver for his mentorship and suggestion to apply for a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. “With his encouragement, I was successful in receiving the fellowship. It changed my career trajectory.”

Formerly a collegiate member of SWE, Bunker has taken the opportunity to volunteer as a professional member of the organization. She currently serves on SWE’s Board of Directors.

“I volunteer with the Society of Women Engineers because of the organization’s powerful mission to empower women to achieve their full potential in careers as engineers and leaders, expand the image of the engineering and technology professions as a positive force in improving the quality of life, and demonstrate the value of diversity and inclusion. I’ve gained mentors, role models, and opportunities to practice and build leadership skills through my involvement.”

Upon completion of her PhD, Bunker joined Rocky Mountain Institute, a global nonprofit working to transform the global energy system to secure a clean, prosperous, zero-carbon future for all. She initially worked on projects focused on the US electricity system. Bunker now partners with islands in the Caribbean and Pacific regions to transition from diesel fuel for electricity generation to more resilient, distributed clean energy sources that benefit all.

“We’re working on solutions that bring more resilience, lower energy costs, local economic development, and reduced emissions. The progress we’ve made can inform similar efforts in other regions of the world.”

Bunker was chosen as a Michigan Tech Outstanding Young Alumni Award recipient in 2021. The award is presented each year to alumni under the age of 35 who have distinguished themselves in their careers.

“Michigan Tech prepared me for my career by giving me a solid technical foundation in electrical engineering and reinforcing my desire to always keep learning. In my current role, I rely on my technical background and have also had the opportunity to learn how to lead groups of people in order to find and implement new ideas and solutions.”

Bunker was selected for induction into the Presidential Council of Alumnae in fall 2025.

Updated September 2025