Nor Farida Harun, Ph.D., is a research scientist at Leidos and an expert in cyber-physical simulation systems. She is part of the Leidos research team supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL).
Farida collaborated closely with the NETL to establish a new cyber-physical test facility for research and development in energy, which aims to accelerate the deployment of innovative energy systems.
This facility tests various power plant configurations, including hybrid energy systems, to facilitate discovery and control development, ultimately leading to an optimal pilot plant with reduced risk and cost.
In addition to her research, Farida serves as a technical mentor for fellowship programs aimed at strengthening a diverse pipeline of future professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from underrepresented communities.
She mentors interns through programs like the Department of Energy's Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship, which provides students with hands-on research experience in the DOE Office of Fossil Energy.
She is also involved with the Consortium for Integrating Energy Systems in Engineering and Science Education, which seeks to increase the number of graduates pursuing careers in energy-related fields.
Farida was recognized for her commitment to mentoring postdoctoral, graduate, and undergraduate students in the hybrid energy sector at the Women of Color STEM Conference.
Gihan Oraby received the Community Service Award at the 2018 Women of Color in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Conference.
As a civilian with the Department of the Army, she is the divisional chief of the Quality Engineering and System Assurance Directorate at the Armament Research, Development, and Engineering Center at Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey.
Gihan has managed over 100 engineers and scientists working on armament programs. She is also passionate about promoting opportunities in STEM careers.
Gihan serves on the advisory councils of the Armament Research, Development, and Engineering Center, coordinating events for World Day for Cultural Diversity and Executive Mentoring Panels.
As president of the Picatinny Arsenal Women in Defense chapter, she advocated for scholarships for aspiring scientists and engineers. Gihan has led outreach initiatives such as "Introduce a Girl to Engineering" and "Introduce a Teen to Engineering" to encourage underrepresented communities to pursue careers in STEM.
"As the child of Egyptian immigrants, I was raised in the Muslim faith with strong values and a sense of duty to serve my community," Gihan said. "College was a challenge. However, as I faced the technical rigors of electrical engineering, my parents' guidance motivated me.
"I was scared in the aftermath of September 11th," she recalled. "My fear as a woman wearing a hijab was immense. Would someone attack me because of it? Once again, my parents' support helped carry me through. As I advance in my career, I strive to help people broaden their perspectives, eliminate prejudices, and achieve their dreams."
Gihan graduated from Rutgers University in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in electrical/computer engineering.
