From Sotik to Global Innovation A Kenyan Engineer Transforming Energy Systems and Electric Mobility.

 Mercy Chelangat a Kenya born engineer who recently earned her PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Dallas.

Early life and the spark for engineering

Mercy Chelangat grew up in Sotik in Kenya, where access to reliable electricity was limited and often inconsistent. As a child, she traveled with her family to cities such as Nairobi and Kericho and witnessed a clear contrast in how access to power transformed daily life. Homes, businesses, and essential services operated more efficiently where electricity was stable, while rural communities continued to struggle without it.

A major turning point came in 2016 when transmission lines were finally installed in Sotik. That moment reshaped her understanding of what energy infrastructure could mean for a community. It also planted a deep desire to work in power engineering and contribute to solutions that could bring lasting change to underserved areas.

Academic journey and the path into engineering

Mercy later pursued electrical and electronics engineering at Moi University in Eldoret, Kenya, graduating in 2017. Her early career led her into research work focused on renewable energy and rural electrification, particularly exploring how solar mini grids could support farming communities and remote settlements.

While working with engineering teams in Nairobi, she contributed to efforts aimed at expanding affordable energy access. However, many of the projects she worked on did not move beyond feasibility studies, which left her searching for a more direct and meaningful way to impact communities.

Transition into volunteer leadership and global energy initiatives

In 2018, Mercy made a pivotal decision to shift her focus toward volunteer work with the IEEE Power and Energy Society Kenya Chapter. She served as secretary and treasurer, where she helped expand membership and strengthen outreach through digital platforms and community engagement.

Through this involvement, she became connected to IEEE Smart Village, an initiative focused on delivering electricity alongside education and economic opportunities to underserved regions. This opportunity led her to take part in an electrification project in Kenya’s Maasai Mara region, where she helped assess energy needs for schools, homes, and local enterprises.

Working with partners including the Maa Trust, she contributed to the deployment of solar powered systems that supported education, vocational training, and community development. The project also explored how clean energy and electrified transport systems could reduce costs and improve mobility in remote areas.

Expanding impact through telehealth and energy access

Mercy’s work later expanded into projects aimed at improving electricity and internet access for telehealth centers in Kenya. These initiatives connected rural patients with doctors in urban areas, helping bridge critical gaps in healthcare delivery.

Her work has involved collaborations with international organizations and engineering networks focused on combining renewable energy systems, communication technologies, and sustainable infrastructure to improve quality of life in remote communities.

Recognition and leadership in engineering communities

For her contributions to humanitarian engineering, Mercy received the 2019 IEEE Region 8 Women in Engineering Clementina Saduwa Award, which recognizes outstanding female engineers who demonstrate leadership and commitment to advancing women in the profession.

Beyond her technical work, she has played an active role in promoting women in engineering through leadership positions within professional networks. She has consistently advocated for greater inclusion, mentorship, and opportunities for women in the power and energy sector.

Challenges and perseverance in her career journey

Her journey has not been without challenges. During her early professional experience, she encountered barriers in technical roles that limited her ability to participate fully in engineering work. These experiences influenced her decision to leave traditional employment and focus on volunteer driven impact initiatives where she could apply her skills more freely and meaningfully.

Through mentorship and global collaboration, she continued building expertise in energy systems, solar technologies, smart metering, and power storage solutions, strengthening her ability to contribute to complex engineering projects.

Doctoral achievement and focus on sustainable electric mobility

Building on years of field experience and humanitarian engineering, Mercy Chelangat recently earned her PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Dallas, specializing in Power Electronics and Energy Systems.

Her doctoral research focused on improving the sustainability of electric vehicles by advancing technologies in motors, batteries, and power electronics. Her work contributes to the global transition toward cleaner transportation systems and more efficient energy use.

A legacy of impact and inspiration

From rural beginnings in Sotik to advanced research in electric mobility systems, Mercy Chelangat’s journey reflects a consistent commitment to using engineering as a tool for social impact. Her work spans rural electrification, telehealth connectivity, renewable energy systems, and electric vehicle innovation.

Her story continues to inspire young engineers, especially those from underserved communities, showing that technical expertise combined with purpose driven leadership can create meaningful change far beyond the classroom or laboratory.