Gian Pauletto
Year Graduated: 
1996

Protection Engineer

Vermont Electric Power Company

Job Description

I’m a protection engineer for an electric utility in the state of Vermont. My work involves software tools for electrical networks, analysis of simulation results, and setting protection relays (special purpose computers). Protection relays monitor the electrical circuits of the network for abnormal operating conditions (electrical faults) and trigger circuit breakers to disconnect the faulted circuits from the rest of the network to minimize equipment damage, prevent system instability, and reduce power quality impacts. There are straight-ahead analytical problems and creative aspects to my work.

Why did you choose this program?

I selected the Environmental Resources Engineering program because it had an emphasis area in energy systems. I liked the school’s smaller size, meaning classes would be smaller and possibly more interactive with the professors and other students. I also knew that the CSU system emphasized education over research, so I thought professors would be more dedicated to their teaching, improving the learning experience.

How did this program prepare you for your job?

The ERE classes gave me plenty of opportunity to enhance my math, science and communication skills on practical problems. The open-ended design problems were essential to learning how to survey problems, develop solution ideas, plan the work, and then create the designs. The more advanced design classes also required technical reports, and sometimes, presentations to my peers, reinforcing written and verbal communication skills, vital to engineering.

What did you enjoy most about the program?

I enjoyed the courses that required using my mathematical and technical skills. Transport Phenomena was particularly enjoyable because it required science, math and programming. Having spent two semesters learning FORTRAN, it was rewarding to put it to use solving some engineering problems. I also enjoyed the design challenges in the renewable energy systems courses. Finally, being a student intern at SERC working with the professors and other students designing its early projects helped me grow as an engineering student.

What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?

If you’re technically minded, want a solid education, enjoy learning, and are willing to work hard, the ERE program can help you grow into a solid engineer.