When Moise Mulamba Kalonji arrived at SMCC, he had already earned a college degree in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and worked on renewable energy projects in Africa.
Now he’s working toward a degree in Electrical Engineering Technologies so he can build a career in the renewable energy field.
Moise grew up in the DRC, earned a degree in engineering at the American Christian Liberal Arts University in Congo, and then did graduate coursework in engineering and energy project management in Berlin, Germany. While in Berlin, he served as a project coordinator for Greening Africa Together, working on sustainable development and renewable energy projects in Africa.
Moise moved to the United States last year in search of greater opportunity and stability. He chose Maine because of its low crime rate and welcoming attitude toward immigrants, and says he has been “excited to find the state abuzz with energy for climate action and clean energy development.”
After settling in Portland, he came to SMCC last spring. After he graduates, he plans to continue his education and make a career in the renewable energy field — with an ultimate goal of owning his own solar company.
Moise wrote a column about Maine’s green economy for the Portland Press Herald in August. After the column was published, a member of the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation & the Future contacted him about getting involved in climate issues in Maine.
For now, Moise is excelling at SMCC while laying the foundation for a bright future in renewable energy. He says he’s been pleased with the quality of teaching, the labs and equipment.
“I chose SMCC because everybody says it’s the best school in the area, so I decided to go to the best place. I like the people — they’re nice and they’re energized. I also the diversity of people at SMCC.”