Meet Sonia Wabukoya, 2026 Don Aikten Memorial Scholarship Recipient!
Don Aitken Memorial Scholarship was established in 2022 for the purpose of providing financial assistance to ASES student members and interns. Candidates may submit applications that demonstrate active involvement with ASES and show a strong interest in the renewable energy fields related to solar energy, such as business, research, engineering, architecture, journalism, law, finance, real estate, and/or policy. Dr. Donald Aitken (1936 – 2022) twice served as President of the American Solar Energy Society and was Vice President of the International Solar Energy Society. Dr. Aitken received many awards for his lifetime service in solar energy and for his building designs that emphasized the use of natural daylighting and passive solar. Dr. Aitken dedicated many years to working as a Research Physicist at Stanford University in California. He was the founder and Chairman of the Department of Environmental Studies at San Jose State University in California, Executive Director of the U.S. Department of Energy Western Regional Solar Energy Center, and Senior Staff Scientist for Renewable Energy Policy and Economics with the 100,000-member Union of Concerned Scientists.
Q&A with Sonia & the ASES Team:
What are you most passionate about?
I am deeply interested in the intersection of energy, technology, and infrastructure, particularly how we can reimagine cities as sustainable, resilient, and smart ecosystems. Fields like urban energy systems, infrastructure innovation, and disaster-resilient engineering excite me because they align with the urgent global need to adapt to climate change, population growth, and increasing urbanization. I'm passionate about designing systems that are not just efficient but equitable ensuring marginalized communities also benefit from these innovations.
How have you contributed to the betterment of your community?
In my local and academic communities, I've consistently looked for ways to combine my engineering interests with service. I've participated in STEM mentorship programs, volunteered at environmental cleanups, and led efforts as part of NSBE to raise awareness about sustainable energy practices on campus. Most recently, I helped organize a community workshop in my hometown in Kenya that educated high school students about renewable energy options in urban settings. By bridging knowledge gaps, I hope to empower the next generation to participate in climate and tech solutions.
Learn more and apply for student scholarships: https://ases.org/scholarships/
Support Student Scholarships: https://ases.site-ym.com/donations/donate.asp?id=22844
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Ella Nielsen
Membership & Engagement Director
American Solar Energy Society
Boulder CO
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