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Maryland Energy Administration Celebrates Women & Girls in Science

Today is International Women and Girls in Science Day and we want to recognize some of our staff at the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) as well as a talented team of young ladies who inspired our staff with their sustainable energy invention. 

Hydro Heroes

Meet the Howard County award winning, all-girls robotics team, Hydro Heroes who invented a device to help raise awareness about water use and conservation. The team was moved to help when they learned that only 1% of fresh drinking water on Earth is accessible, and showers are one of the highest demand for water usage in most homes.


Leading by example, MEA Director, Dr. Mary Beth Tung

Dr. Tung works to ensure that Maryland’s energy portfolio benefits Maryland residents, businesses and local government organizations by improving the effective use of all energy resources available in the state. Dr. Tung oversees nearly 40 energy related programs.


Certified Energy Manager, Chemical Engineer & Assistant Program Director Gallicchio

Assistant Director of Energy Programs Jenn Gallicchio oversees programs as well as the compilation of the Strategic Energy Investment Fund report highlighting the annual achievements made towards promoting affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy for Marylanders. You can read the 2020 report detailing awards, estimated energy savings, and projects here for vol. 1 and here for vol. 2


1 Part Energy + 1 Part Emergency Management + 1 Part Government Affairs = Caitlin Madera Whiteleather

Caitlin (Cait) Madera Whiteleather has been with MEA for 6 years and in addition to managing MEA’s Commercial, Industrial and Agricultural program she also works for the MEA government affairs and policy team and supports the Maryland Emergency Management Agency


Spotlight on Clean Energy Program Manager Abigail Peryea Antonini

Abigail (Abi) Peryea Antonini began her MEA career as a grants administrator and has expanded her role to manage clean energy grants, concentrating on solar energy programs. In addition to her program work, Abi uses her GIS training as part of the MEA Data Team supporting efforts across the agency. 


Energy Data is Key for Chidinma Emenike


Chidinma Emenike may be a newer member of the MEA team but she is a huge asset simultaneously working in the program department and on the MEA Data Team. Chidinma shared some of her energy insights with us last year here and we cannot wait to see where the numbers take us in the future. 

Team Member Margaret Cefail is Passionate About Resilient Energy Tech

Margaret (Meg) Cefail not only administers MEA’s clean energy rebates (residential and commercial), she is working her way to becoming a subject matter expert on distributed energy resources like Combined Heat and Power and other resilient energy technology like microgrids. Meg shared some of her energy interests with us last year here.