Director
She/Her
Kaitlyn J. Bunker, Ph.D., P.E., serves as co-director of the Islands Energy Program at Rocky Mountain Institute, or RMI, a global nonprofit organization working to transform the global energy system to secure a clean, prosperous, zero-carbon future for all. In this role, she leads a diverse team that partners with islands in the Caribbean to support and accelerate their clean energy transitions. The team completes energy modeling and technical analyses to develop integrated resource plans, prepares and reduces risks in resilient clean energy projects, and connects energy professionals in regional communities of practice.
Prior to joining RMI, she earned a Ph.D., an M.S., and a B.S. in electrical engineering at Michigan Technological University. Her graduate research focused on microgrids and optimizing control strategies for distributed renewable resources. She joined RMI in 2014 and is a certified professional engineer in the state of Colorado.
Dr. Bunker has been part of the Society of Women Engineers for more than 17 years and is a life member. Her leadership roles have included serving as president of the Michigan Tech Section and the Rocky Mountain Section, collegiate director, member of the nominating committee, and most recently SWE senator in FY21-FY24. Dr. Bunker received the SWE Outstanding Collegiate Member award in 2014 and the SWE Distinguished New Engineer award in 2018.
She also holds a volunteer elected position on the board of directors of the Rural Renewable Energy Alliance, a nonprofit organization working to make solar accessible to all households and communities in central and northern Minnesota.
Dr. Bunker lives in Colorado with her husband and two daughters. They enjoy spending time outdoors and renovating their home with a goal to reach net-zero energy.
Email: director.bunker@swe.org
