Meet the Boston Metal Team: Kara Gibson
The mission to tackle 10% of the world’s carbon emissions takes a passionate, multi-disciplinary team. We sat down with one of our dedicated trailblazers – plant engineering manager, Kara Gibson – so you can get to know her better and learn what excites her most about working at Boston Metal.
Kara leads a team of engineers at our Woburn facility, and is tasked with focusing on technical challenges while fostering a dynamic team. Her academic and professional background has prepared her well for this work into the unchartered territory of green steel.
Kara has been a Massachusetts resident her entire life. After graduating from Northeastern University with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Kara went on to earn a master’s of science in energy systems.
A dancer since childhood, Kara’s passion led her to start the Northeastern University dance team in 2003, where the group’s legacy lives on. In fact, the Northeastern team came in first place in the Division 1 NDA competition and won gold at Nationals this past year. Dance will always be a part of Kara’s life, she says. These days, she likes to teach Zumba classes!
After 11 years at a hydrogen fuel cell company in Boston, Kara was ready for a change. In 2019 she decided to interview at Boston Metal. She was attracted to the company’s mission and wanted the opportunity to be a part of one of the first companies bringing green steel solutions to the market. At Boston Metal, she feels like she’s helping to solve the ultimate problem of our time – climate change.
What part of your academic life is most relevant in the work you do today?
While completing my master’s at Northeastern, one of the main concepts taught is the importance of optimizing systems from an energy efficiency standpoint, but also understanding that it won’t be adopted by industry unless it is financially attractive. That concept is well understood here at Boston Metal, and informs how we are approaching our technology development.
What is the most challenging part of your work at Boston Metal?
To me, the challenging part of working with a team is also the most rewarding. We work very closely together and need to be in sync. That is not always easy. It is my job as a leader to make sure that everyone is working together and aligned. Everyone brings different perspectives to work, and the key is to make everyone feel heard and valued, and to move forward toward our goal. The team dynamic is most important. It has been rewarding to see the team grow. I feel the team is elevating and improving together.
What excites you the most about working at Boston Metal?
I have always been interested in understanding how things work and using technology to combat climate change. I also understand that economics plays a critical role in the success of any innovation, which always layers on new challenges. I enjoy finding ways to collaborate and create a team dynamic that enables us to tackle these difficult obstacles together. When I look back at what we have accomplished at Boston Metal, particularly in the last year and a half, it is staggering and impressive.
What stands out to you about the people at Boston Metal?
The people at Boston Metal are all very hardworking, value integrity and honesty, and apply that to our mission. The people of Boston Metal are what drive our progress, and it’s an honor to work with such a talented group of individuals.
Kara is a big fan of the Boston Celtics
