Liza graduated from our MSc Future Power Networks degree course in 2020.

She works as an Energy and Digital Innovation Specialist at the United Nations Development Programme in Zambia.

"It’s about ensuring that technology and energy solutions reach those who have been hardest to reach, not just improving systems but empowering people.”

A career with meaningful impact

Liza’s role involves providing strategic and technical advice to support renewable energy and digital transformation, with the aim of ensuring that technology and innovation reach communities that have historically been underserved.

What she values most is the tangible impact of the work.

“Knowing that a mother in a rural community can deliver her child safely because the clinic has reliable power, or that health workers can use telemedicine and digital tools to access real-time support and deliver better care. For me, this is what it means to bridge both the energy and digital divides, to accelerate progress that is just, equitable and inclusive."

“That’s what makes my work meaningful: envisioning a future where access to energy and digital connectivity is universal, where innovation is used not just to advance economies, but to restore dignity, expand opportunity and redefine what sustainable development looks like for communities everywhere.”

Among the experiences she is most proud of is being selected for the AUC–UNDP African Young Women Leaders Fellowship Programme, where she was chosen as one of 36 women from more than 12,000 applicants across the African continent. “The programme was a great opportunity to contribute to Africa’s sustainable development while growing as a leader and mentor.”

A powerful start

Liza’s path into energy systems began with curiosity and a single lecture that reshaped her thinking.

During her undergraduate degree at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, she explored a wide range of disciplines, including circuits and electronics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, computer programming and telecommunications. For much of her degree, she thought she knew the direction she would take. That changed when she attended an Introduction to Power Systems lecture.

“The professor explained how water flowing through a dam is transformed into the electricity that powers our homes, tracing the elegant journey from generation to transmission to distribution. I was completely fascinated. It felt as though a switch had flipped.”

That lecture redirected her interests and sparked a lasting focus on how energy systems support our lives today.

Studying at Imperial - learning at the intersection of power and data

When considering a master’s degree, a mentor encouraged her to apply to Imperial. The MSc in Future Power Networks stood out for its focus on the evolving role of power systems, bringing together sustainable energy, smart grids, power system economics, electric vehicles and the use of AI in the energy sector.

“The course represented the future of power systems, and I knew Imperial was the right place to learn, grow and contribute to that future.”

A defining highlight of Liza’s time at Imperial was her MSc individual research project, which focused on AI-driven short-term electrical load forecasting for renewable energy systems.

As renewable energy, electric vehicles and smart appliances become more integrated into modern grids, accurate forecasting has become essential for reliability and stability.

Using real smart-meter data from households with solar PV installations and applying Long Short-Term Memory neural networks, Liza’s project demonstrated how artificial intelligence can enhance renewable integration and grid management and support the transition to sustainable energy.

“My degree has equipped me with a strong technical foundation in digitalisation, power systems and energy transition strategies. It also sharpened my ability to apply data-driven insights to real-world energy challenges, shaping evidence-based policies and digital energy solutions in my professional work.”

Imperial’s career-focused community

Alongside her studies, Liza found the Electrical and Electronic Engineering community at Imperial to be academically demanding and supportive.

“The community was truly empowering. It fostered a culture of curiosity, innovation and collaboration that shaped both my academic and professional outlook. I particularly enjoyed the energy debates and department networking events, which provided valuable opportunities to engage with industry experts and thought leaders shaping the future of energy.”

She also highlights the role of the Imperial Careers Service, whose personalised support with CVs, applications and interview preparation helped her confidently navigate the transition from study to professional work.

London life

Living in London, and studying in South Kensington’s Museum quarter, was a significant part of her experience.

“Walking past the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum never lost its charm. It was a daily reminder that I was studying at the heart of innovation and discovery.”

“London was an incredible experience. The city’s pace is contagious; everyone seems to be rushing somewhere with purpose, and that energy constantly pushes you to stay driven and curious.”

“I loved exploring cultural landmarks, scenic neighbourhoods and diverse restaurants. There was always something new to experience. From walking along Oxford Street, to experiencing a slice of Italy in Camden, admiring the beauty of Covent Garden, or taking photos across the city’s many palaces, London offered endless moments of inspiration and wonder. The city’s vibrancy taught me to embrace change, stay curious and see the world through a broader, more creative lens, lessons that continue to shape how I approach both life and work today.”

Beyond the course – Imperial life

During her time at Imperial, Liza was an active member of the Imperial Toastmasters Club, where she developed skills in public speaking, storytelling and leadership.

“I’ve learned how to communicate with clarity and authenticity, skills that continue to shape my professional journey and the way I engage with diverse audiences today.”

She also joined the East African Community Society.

“Connecting with students from across the region was an opportunity to celebrate shared identity while learning from different perspectives. These experiences not only built my confidence but also reinforced the importance of communication, collaboration and cultural exchange beyond the classroom.”

Advice for future students

Reflecting on her time at Imperial, Liza encourages future MSc students to make full use of the opportunities available to them.

“Enjoy every moment of the journey. The experience at Imperial is immensely rewarding. Engage with professors, attend networking events and collaborate beyond your course."

"The relationships and experiences you build will stay with you and shape your professional and personal growth long after graduation.”