Internship Journeys - Elizabeth Romo-Rabago
DEC Catches Up With Elizabeth Romo-Rabago
Source: Patricia Faucher | · DEC · | September, 2024
DEC caught up with Elizabeth Romo-Rabago, a passionate environmental consultant and advocate for sustainable energy and regenerative practices. With a background in biology and a Master’s in Sustainable Energy Development, Romo-Rabago has taken a unique path that includes interning with the DEC as a bioenergy analyst. During her time at DEC, she applied her expertise on real-world projects, gaining invaluable insights into the decentralised energy sector. Now leading her own organization, Ciclomanias, she focuses on environmental education, soil biology, and ecosystem restoration. Romo-Rabago is dedicated to promoting energy literacy, food sovereignty, and waste prevention rooted in Traditional Indigenous Knowledge. Here, she shares her journey, insights, and aspirations for the future of decentralised energy and sustainability.
What is the path you took which led you to interning for DEC?
I have a B.Sc. in biology and a M.Sc. in Sustainable Energy Development. As part of my capstone project during my graduate studies, I was evaluating different low cost biodigesters technologies for a leprosy colony in China. I was fortunate to be selected for a Mitacs internship to work at DEC as a bioenergy analyst.
Are you still studying? What degrees did you attain in college/university?
Yes, after concluding my internship at DEC I finished a M.Sc. in Sustainable Energy Development from the University of Calgary. This year I completed a lab-technician certificateon Soil Biology and Ecosystem Restoration, trained by Dr. Elain Ingham Soil Food Web School and the Ecosystem Restoration Communities.
Are you still working in the field of DE or a related field? Where are you working now?
Yes, I run an organisation called Ciclomanias.
As part of Ciclomanias we offer environmental consulting services including:
Development of energy literacy and environmental education programs
Train urban farmers, growers and gardeners about regenerative practices
Conduct soil biology assessments
Develop and implement ecosystem restoration plans.
Currently and as part of my social enterprise at Ciclomanias, we developed the First Nations Zero Waste Ambassador Program. The program is designed specifically for First Nations’ K-12 grade students and teachers to support food sovereignty, waste prevention and diversion practices rooted on Traditional Indigenous Knowledge and values. We work in close collaboration with Elders, knowledge keepers and teachers of culture and language to support food sovereignty, waste prevention and diversion practices rooted on Traditional Ecological Knowledge and values.
What did you work on while you were interning at DEC?
I was pleased to perform feasibility studies, socio-economic analysis, and technology validation using among other tools, RETScreen Clean Energy software for biodigesters and solar energy. I actually used this software to run some of my feasibility studies for my capstone project! I enjoyed connecting and getting to know DEC’s members, and conducting interviews to support their companies and to advance their strengths. Networking events were also a great opportunity to learn and connect with passionate and subject-matter experts.
What did you learn from your time at DEC?
There is a vast number of Canadian SMEs which are greatly contributing to the fascinating and important decentralised energy industry. I particularly enjoyed the conversations with passionate entrepreneurs who genuinely wanted to have a positive contribution to our environment and be part of the energy transition.
What challenges did you face during your internship, and how did you overcome them?
Time was challenging since I was a full time graduate student, working at DEC, and finishing up my capstone project. However, it was great that I had the opportunity at DEC to support their bioenergy projects, so I was able to learn from real-world projects, connect with subject matter experts and apply tools and knowledge for my graduate studies and capstone project, which made my learning journey so much easier and enjoyable.
In what ways did your internship at DEC influence your perspective on renewable energy and sustainability?
It expanded my knowledge about renewable sources of energy, and the role of decentralised energy to reduce emissions, increase energy reliability, and affordability. I particularly enjoyed learning from subject matter experts and industry leaders. It helped me appreciate the multifaceted renewable energy sector, and the fast growing energy technologies.
Where do you hope to be in the future?
I would love to continue supporting First Nations, SMEs, communities, and individuals to achieve food sovereignty and energy independence.
What role do you think decentralised energy will play in our energy future (globally)?
We have experienced how vulnerable our current centralised power grids are, specially during peak demand periods like winter and summer time. So, having a more robust decentralised energy system is key to having a more reliable energy system. Moreover, decentralised energy plays a key role to achieve an energy transition while empowering businesses, communities and individuals who can become prosumers, be carbon negative and go beyond sustainability contributing to a regenerative way of living.
I’m always happy to connect with colleagues and peers in the industry, so please reach out at:
+1 403 354 9903
ciclomanias@gmail.com