Open to opportunities

panashe mango

@panashemango

Chemical and process engineer focused on energy systems, sustainability research, and practical risk-aware optimization.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking to apply chemical/process engineering and energy systems research to sustainability-focused projects—especially grid and operational flexibility, hydrogen and electrochemical recovery—working with teams that value safety, data-driven decisions, and practical risk management.

I’m a Chemical Engineer and Process Engineer focused on Energy Systems Engineering, working at the intersection of sustainability research and real-world operational impact. As a Graduate Research Assistant at the Lehigh Energy Research Center, I support energy systems and sustainability projects through data collection, analysis, and documentation, collaborating with professors on experimental setups and reporting.

My experience also includes leading high-stakes operations as a Mining Manager, where I directed daily activities and implemented strategic plans with a strong emphasis on safety and regulatory compliance. Through my capstone and research projects—like operational flexibility and risk assessment for data centers within the PJM Interconnection, and electrochemical recovery for rare earth elements and PEM activation for hydrogen production—I build solutions that optimize energy use, enhance resilience, and reduce operational risk and cost.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Research Assistant: PEM Electrolyzers

Current

Lehigh University

Jan 2026 - Present (6 months)

Studies the impact of cationic contaminants on proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers and evaluates electrodialytic filtration for cation removal and recovery of critical minerals while proposing pathways for sustainable hydrogen production.

Cationic Contaminant Analysis Electrodialytic Filtration Electrodialysis Resource Recovery Evaluation

Current

Graduate Research Assistant

Current

Lehigh Energy Research Center

Oct 2025 - Present (9 months)

Assists research activities related to energy systems and sustainability, including data collection, analysis, documentation, and support for experimental setups and reporting.

Research Support Data Collection Data Analysis Documentation Reporting Collaboration

Current

Capstone Project: Data Centers

Current

Lehigh University

Aug 2025 - Present (11 months)

Investigates energy flexibility and operational risk for data centers within the PJM Interconnection, analyzing grid constraints, demand response opportunities, and market dynamics.

Energy Flexibility Analysis Operational Risk Demand Response Strategy Development

Current

Graduate Student Senate

Current

Lehigh University

Aug 2025 - Present (11 months)

Advocates for policy changes and improvements to graduate student programs and life, acting as a liaison between students and university faculty, staff, and administration.

Policy Advocacy Communication Community Building

Mining Manager

DN Gold Mine

Apr 2024 - Jul 2025 (1 year 3 months)

Directed daily mine operations by implementing strategic plans while ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and coordination with engineering and environmental teams.

Operations Management Safety Compliance Regulatory Compliance Strategic Planning Team Leadership Productivity Improvement Cross Functional Collaboration Sustainability Coordination

High School Physics & Chemistry Teacher

Light Academy

Aug 2023 - Apr 2024 (8 months)

Taught high school Physics and Chemistry with a focus on concept clarity and exam preparation, delivering practical labs with safety compliance and assessing student performance.

Physics Teaching Chemistry teaching Lesson planning Safety Compliance Student Assessment Exam Preparation

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Harare Institute of Technology

Feb 2022 - May 2023 (1 year 3 months)

Designed and developed CPAP medical devices with engineers and clinicians, leading risk analysis using FMEA and ensuring compliance with ISO standards, and producing technical documentation and presentations.

ISO 10651 Compliance Technical Documentation Technical Presentations Risk Analysis

Peer Educator

SAYWHAT Organization

Nov 2019 - May 2023 (3 years 6 months)

Facilitated workshops and provided peer mentorship on youth health, wellness, and social issues, supporting awareness and behavior change around gender-based violence.

Workshop Facilitation Mentorship Youth Health & Wellness Education Community Outreach Safe Space Promotion Behavioral Change

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Lehigh University

Master of Engineering (M.Eng.), Energy Systems Engineering

Grade: GPA: 3.42

M.Eng. in Energy Systems Engineering (GPA: 3.42) with coursework in energy efficiency, energy generation, and smart grid transmission and distribution. Includes seminars, field trips, and renewable energy coursework.

Harare Institute of Technology

Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.), Chemical and Process Systems Engineering

Bachelor of Technology in Chemical and Process Systems Engineering with coursework covering chemical technology, thermodynamics, petroleum technology, and environmental protection. Also completed a minor/certificate in Higher and Tertiary Education with coursework in research and teaching/learning in higher education.