Dr. Rodríguez-Buño recently completed her PhD at MIT and she is now a Computational Scientist at ExxonMobil. While at MIT she was a Fullbright Science and Technology fellow working with Prof. Einstein's lab in ERL/Civil and Environmental Engineering. The main focus of her research is renewable energies, principally in the area of wind energy where she investigates the development of wind farm modules, aerodynamics, and operation and control of large wind turbines. She believes that there is great potential for clean wind energy, which combined with its continuously improving price competitiveness, makes it a viable option for replacing fossil fuels. Prior to her arrival to MIT, Mariana served as a Chief Engineer Assistant at Espina Obras Hidráulicas, S.A., a Spanish company which specializes in planning, erecting, and managing civil engineering projects, particularly those involving hydrology. She received her Civil Engineer’s degree from the Engineering Department at the Universidad de la República (UdelaR) where, as an undergraduate, she applied for and received a position teaching courses in Fluid Dynamics in the Engineering Department. In addition, she has held teaching positions in the Physics Department. Mariana is member of the Association of Engineers of Uruguay. She plans to return to Uruguay where she hopes to continue studying and researching in the field and to prepare younger professionals with the knowledge required to improve the Uruguayan energy sector.