In this episode of From Failure to Launch, host Keira sits down with Cameryn Burnette — a PhD candidate at MIT in Material Science for Sustainable Development, Howard University alumna, Schwarzman Scholar, and Special Projects Manager at Energicity.

Cameryn opens up about the moments that shaped her: from growing up amidst environmental disasters that ignited her passion for sustainability, to feeling like a failure after college with no plans lined up. Just one month later, she found herself working with Energicity, bringing solar microgrids to rural communities in West Africa.

They explore her groundbreaking research in soil bacteria preservation at MIT, the reality behind international development work, and the importance of dismantling the “savior complex” often projected onto third-world countries. Cameryn also shares her deep pride in her HBCU roots, her founding of the Howard University Water Environment Association, and how she stays grounded through every success and setback.

Her story is a call to action — to use engineering for the good of humanity, to lean on community, and to face hard challenges with resilience and curiosity.

💡 Call to Action: Tackle the hard stuff. Together. And never stop learning.