Mentoring the Next Generation of Hydropower Innovators

Schnabel is proud to support the next generation of clean energy leaders through the Hydropower Collegiate Competition, sponsored by the National Laboratory of the Rockies. This year, our very own Dennis Schwartz, Senior Vice President, Dams and Hydropower, had the privilege of mentoring the University of Southern California team (pictured) as they developed a conceptual design for a new small pumped storage facility in the Grapevine region of Southern California.

“Mentoring is a two-way street in my book between mentor and mentees,” Dennis says. “I am very proud of this group’s willingness to listen to history and what has worked. What I have seen in this group of students is an ‘eyes wide open’ approach to industry knowledge and less on AI learning. I’ve tried to instill in each student the power of relationships and that AI will never have all the answers to their questions – but having that connection with the industry will serve them well throughout their careers. Don’t just take what AI has to offer as the answer, but double check and reach out to those experts within the industry. Get out and be proactive on the job site and in the industry you fall in love with. A job is temporary, but relationships last a lifetime.”

From early‑stage siting considerations to technical design and project delivery challenges, the team tackled the full lifecycle of a pumped storage project with creativity and collaboration. Their work will be presented to the judges in Green Bay, WI, during the NHA Midwest Hydro Users Group (MHUG) meeting April 28-29 – which Dennis is attending along with Schnabel engineers B.J. Siljenberg and Michael Thelen.

“What is inspiring to me is to see how responsible this group has been when it comes to all the meetings, asks, following directions, asking for help when stuck and their follow-through,” Dennis says. “They are self-motivated engineering leaders already, and it’s inspirational to see them interested in hydropower and pumped storage industry.”

Supporting initiatives like this reflects Schnabel’s commitment to stewardship – improving ourselves, mentoring a new generation, strengthening our firm, and contributing to the communities we serve through an inclusive and empowering approach.

Congratulations to the USC team on an outstanding effort! We look forward to seeing where their passion for hydropower takes them next.