Women in Turbomachinery: A Growing Population of Engineers, Managers, Technicians, and Researchers

As the turbomachinery and power generation industries evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing energy environment, women find themselves in the increasingly vital roles that drive technological innovation and industry trends. From research and development to engineering, project management, and executive leadership, female professionals are striving to advance technology, improve turbomachine efficiency, and put their stamp on power generation.

Despite notable progress in recent years, women still represent a fraction of the industry’s population, with a minority presence in leadership roles and a considerable gender gap in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Organizations and companies are actively working to bridge this divide through mentorship programs, diversity initiatives, and scholarship opportunities to encourage more women to pursue careers in these industries.

Conferences like the Turbomachinery & Pump Symposia (TPS) and POWERGEN International are seeing increasing participation from female engineers and thought leaders. These experts are hosting luncheons and meet-ups to discuss progress and what’s next, reflecting a growing emphasis on inclusivity.

Women of TPS Luncheon; image credit: Turbomachinery & Pump Symposia

Women’s Major Breakthroughs

Researchers and engineers like Dr. Karen Thole, Dr. Evelyn Wang, and Dr. Amy Elliott have made significant contributions to technological advancements, driving efficiency, sustainability, and innovation.

Dr. Karen Thole

Dr. Thole is head of the Steady Thermal Aero Research Turbine Lab at Penn State University. Her work in aerothermal engineering helped develop improved turbine blade-cooling techniques that reduce wear, increase power output, and enhance their efficiency and lifespan. Specifically, her work focused on film cooling—a method where cool air is ejected through small holes in turbine blades to create a protective barrier against extreme temperatures. The research optimized cooling hole geometries and flow conditions that lead to improved cooling effectiveness and reduced thermal stress on turbine components.

Dr. Thole has developed experimental and computational tools to analyze gas turbine heat transfer and aerodynamic performance. Her research has helped turbine manufacturers refine blade designs to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. She has worked with industry leaders like GE, Pratt & Whitney, and Siemens Energy, influencing the next generation of turbine designs for power plants and jet engines.

Dr. Amy Elliott

Dr. Elliott is a leading researcher at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, specializing in additive manufacturing and 3D printing with a focus on advanced materials and manufacturing processes that impact industries such as turbomachinery, power generation, and aerospace. Her work developed new 3D printing techniques for metal components, enabling the creation of complex geometries that would be impossible to produce using traditional manufacturing.

Her research led to the development of efficient and durable:

• High-performance turbine blades
• Heat exchangers
• Combustion system components

She has contributed to research on high-temperature alloys and ceramics, essential for turbines used in power plants and jet engines that resulted in lighter, stronger, and more heat-resistant parts to improve overall energy efficiency. Advances in 3D printing for high-temperature components also assist the transition toward hydrogen-compatible turbines, enabling cleaner power generation. Rapid prototyping and direct metal printing have allowed for faster component development and deployment.

Dr. Evelyn Wang

Dr. Wang, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and former head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, pioneered advanced cooling and heat exchanger technologies that improve the efficiency and reliability of power generation systems. She developed novel micro-structured surfaces and heat exchangers that enhance heat transfer in power plants and industrial cooling systems.

Her thermal management solutions have led to:

• improved cooling efficiency in gas turbines, allowing them to operate at higher temperatures with less energy loss;
• enhanced performance in waste heat recovery systems, making power plants more sustainable by converting excess heat into usable energy; and
• advancements in passive cooling technologies, reducing reliance on energy-intensive cooling methods in industrial applications.

Wang’s research is helping push the limits of energy efficiency and sustainability in both conventional and renewable power generation systems, allowing modern energy technologies to meet the growing industry demands while minimizing environmental impact.

Conference Events

The Women of TPS Luncheon serves as a platform for women in the industry to share experiences, discuss challenges, and foster professional growth. Established in 2019, the meet-up encourages both women and men to participate to promote understanding and support across all levels of the industry. The 2019 inaugural event included professionals like Judith Hodgson, President of JE Hodgson Consulting Enterprises, and Charli K. Matthews, Founder and CEO of Empowering Brands and Empowering Pumps & Equipment

“The way the panelists interacted with one another and the attendees, and shared such meaningful ideas, made this [2019] event an unforgettable experience,” said Brooke Conrad, former Communications Director for Texas A&M’s Turbo Lab. “I left feeling encouraged at their advice and the buzz of important conversation between attendees. I am grateful to all the panelists and attendees and look forward to making the luncheon a staple event for the men and women of TPS for years to come.”

Discussions during these luncheons often highlight the importance of mentorship, confidence-building, and navigating a traditionally male-dominated industry. The event also provides networking opportunities, allowing attendees to connect, share experiences, and support one another's professional journeys. Activities such as "bag bingo" and photo booths add an element of fun and camaraderie to the luncheon.

Overall, the Women of TPS Luncheon plays a crucial role in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment within the turbomachinery and pump communities, encouraging diversity and exchanging ideas among professionals. In 2025, Dena Malloy, Aftermarket Manager for Atlas Copco Mafi-Trench Co., and Michelle Jordan, Manager of Business Operations for TECHMAR Equipment Foundations, will lead the event.

The Women in Power Meet-Up is part of POWERGEN International’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, offering vital spaces for individuals to unite and build connections within the industry via breakfast roundtables and showcases on the exhibit floor. The initiative also celebrates the achievements of women in the power sector and offers connections to peers and industry leaders.

The Turbo Expo and Western Turbine Users Inc. (WTUI) conferences also hold dedicated events for women in turbomachinery. In 2025, WTUI Women in Energy will be hosted by JoAnn Haynes, Sales at CleanAir Engineering, and Turbo Expo’s Celebrating Women in Turbomachinery Dinner will take place in Memphis, TN.

Organizational Support & the Future

Women in these industries are supported not only by cutting-edge individual research and conferences but also by organizations like the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and the Department of Energy’s Clean Energy Education & Empowerment (C3E) initiative.

The SWE, founded in 1950, is an international non-profit educational and service organization with over 47,000 members that actively advocates for the inclusion and advancement of women in engineering and technology. It offers educational outreach programs, conferences, workshops, and networking events to inspire young girls and women to pursue careers in STEM fields.

C3E focuses on women’s participation and leadership in the clean-energy transition, aiming to close the gender gap in this sector by supporting professional development and advancement. It grants awards to recognize outstanding women who have demonstrated leadership and achievements in various clean energy fields, as well as provides mentorship for emerging professionals.

In a sector traditionally proliferated by men, women are becoming increasingly vital to the turbomachinery and power generation industries. Innovative female researchers and engineers have pushed gas turbine technologies to the limit, with wider support from an intricate network of conference programs, non-profit organizations, and federal initiatives. In a market dedicated to keeping the lights on, the continued cooperation between male and female professionals is paramount.