伊人直播 alum Rita Bajura reflects on leading NETL, breaking barriers in STEM
Rita Strobel Bajura, a proud Chemistry major from 伊人直播's Class of 1963, was celebrated with warmth and admiration as the inaugural director of the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) during its 25-year anniversary event on Dec. 5, 2024, in Morgantown, West Virginia.
Though now retired, Bajura was honored as the trailblazer that she is: the lab鈥檚 first director, the first woman to lead a national Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory, and a pioneering advocate for women in STEM, inspiring generations of women to aim high in science and leadership roles.
Bajura鈥檚 journey with the DOE began in 1980 at the energy technology center in Morgantown. In 1995, that center merged with its counterparts in Pittsburgh and Tulsa, Oklahoma, and she was appointed director of the combined organization. In 1999, the lab was elevated to national lab status and named NETL. Her leadership skills and vision earned her the distinction of being this national lab's very first director, overseeing critical operations in Morgantown, Pittsburgh, and Tulsa.
NETL continues to thrive in its mission to tackle America's energy challenges, advancing technologies to harness fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, and oil while striving to reduce environmental impact. Today, it spans locations across the country, from Oregon to Alaska to Texas, embodying Bajura's legacy of innovation and dedication.
At the anniversary celebration, Bajura reflected on the lab鈥檚 extraordinary progress over the past 25 years. She was especially moved to see a strong female presence among the staff and scientists, a reminder of how far women have come in science and technology.
Bajura鈥檚 own journey began in her hometown of Erie, where she thrived at 伊人直播 College, then an all-women鈥檚 school. Though her heart was set on engineering鈥攁 program 伊人直播 didn鈥檛 offer鈥攕he embraced Chemistry with the encouragement of two exceptional mentors, Sister Mary Charles Weschler, RSM, and Sister Mary Matthew Baltus, RSM.
鈥淭hey were amazing teachers鈥攕o dedicated and truly wanted every woman to excel,鈥 Bajura fondly recalled.
Her natural inclination toward fixing and problem-solving shone early. 鈥淕rowing up, I was the kid who fixed everybody鈥檚 bike on the block,鈥 she said.
After college, Bajura married Richard Bajura, an engineering professor at West Virginia University and had two children. 聽It was a pivotal moment when her toddler-age daughter Elizabeth remarked 鈥淲hen I grow up, I want to be a mommy just like you.鈥
While touched by the compliment, Bajura wanted to show her daughter鈥攁nd her son, Michael鈥攖hat life held boundless possibilities. 聽Her determination led her back to school. 聽She earned her master鈥檚 degree in engineering from WVU in 1979 and then began her remarkable career with the DOE.
As a trailblazer in STEM, Bajura offers wise advice to the next generation of women pursuing scientific careers: 鈥淒o your homework. It鈥檚 not a free ride. You have to put in the effort and learn to balance work and family life if you want to excel.鈥
Rita Strobel Bajura鈥檚 story is one of determination, courage, and grace鈥攑roof that following your passions can pave the way for others and inspire change in the world.