Meet the Boston Metal Team: Gisele Aoun
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 – operations team lead, Gisele Aoun – so you can get to know her better and learn what excites her most about working at Boston Metal.
After graduating from Northeastern University with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and minor in sustainable energy systems, Gisele landed a job as an operations engineer at Boston Metal, which she was introduced to during her co-op with Donald Sadoway’s company, Ambri. She quickly excelled and within 8 months was promoted to team lead.
When she’s not cozy at home crafting, knitting or cooking up a storm, Gisele loves getting out in nature by hiking, backpacking and rock climbing. If you ever find yourself on Mount Liberty in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, you have Gisele, in part, to thank for the pristine backcountry.
As part of her university capstone project, she worked with the Appalachian Mountain Club to devise a solid liquid separator based compost system that’s in use today. We’re lucky to have such a bright mind working in our team, and we can’t wait to see what else she accomplishes here at Boston Metal!
Tell us about your career path. Did you ever envision yourself in this industry?
One of the reasons I went into engineering is to have the opportunity of working on green technologies. I love hands-on work – building, assembling, troubleshooting. Being involved in the steel industry feels natural because I’ve always been interested in metal working. During my co-op at Ambri, a grid scale liquid metal batteries company, I got to do a lot of welding and fabrication, which was really fun for me. Boston Metal offered a perfect intersection of all my interests and educational training.
What do you find most fulfilling about your career here at Boston Metal?
Our steel decarbonization technology is addressing something that hasn’t changed for so long, something that was perceived as a fact and that couldn’t be changed. But we’re saying it can change, and we can make a real impact on carbon emissions. We’re optimistic and hopeful that there’s a better way to do things.
In terms of the day to day, my favorite part about working here is the collaborative spirit. I’ve really learned a lot because of Boston Metal’s approach to teamwork.
What’s the most challenging part of your work?
When the cells are running and operating, everything we’re doing is live. Every decision you make has immediate consequences. There is pressure and a big learning curve when doing experiments. Every problem can be addressed and solved, but a challenge is learning how to work in this environment. You have to think differently when there is more pressure. But it’s also very exciting, like working in an emergency room.
What’s the biggest lesson you learned in your career so far?
I think my communication skills have evolved. Being patient and meeting people where they are – this is really important as an operations team lead.
Do you have any tips for people looking to break into engineering or the climate tech space?
Be engaged in whatever you’re doing and be fully present. Show up prepared and things will happen for you!
