Team
Sara Sullivan
Program Director, California Renewable Energy Laboratory (CREL)
Sara Sullivan serves as Program Director for the California Renewable Energy Laboratory (CREL), where she leads applied research projects, industry partnerships, and experiential learning programs that prepare students for careers in clean energy. Her work focuses on expanding workforce development opportunities, educational pathways, and increasing access to STEM education across Kern County.
With a background in both engineering and education, Sara brings a multidisciplinary approach to climate and energy program design. She has worked as a civil engineer supporting water and wastewater infrastructure projects for public agencies and previously led hands-on STEM initiatives for K–8 students through the Grimm Family Education Foundation. She also champions efforts to increase participation of girls in STEM across the region.
Sara holds a Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Master’s in Environmental and Civil Engineering from the University of California, Irvine. Outside of her role at CREL, she is committed to advancing equity in climate education and building meaningful partnerships that connect students to the Central Valley’s clean energy future.