Dr. Syal’s research focuses on studying human influence and embedding equity in sustainable energy and transportation systems. She uses human-centered design methods, builds quantitative models, and engages with communities to co-create a more just and sustainable future. She is the recipient of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Design Theory and Methodology Early Career Award. Her research group is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

Dr. Syal’s professional experience spans across energy from biofuels development to topsides process engineering in the oil and gas industry. Prior to graduate school, she served as a topsides process engineer and a rotational operations engineer on an offshore oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico for BP America. She holds a PhD. in Mechanical Engineering and M.S. in Product Design Engineering (“Design Impact”) from Stanford University. A proud Wolverine alumna, she holds an M.Eng. in Energy Systems Engineering and B.S.E in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan.