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Yaman Abou Jieb
About
Yaman Abou Jieb, a Syrian innovator and winner of Season 7 of Stars of Science, is now an Engineering Manager at one of the top three renewable energy operators in the United States. In his current role, he leads the development, design, and operations of utility-scale solar, wind, and battery energy storage projects, driving performance optimization, cost efficiency, and sustainability across clean energy initiatives.
Yaman is also a published author. His book Photovoltaic Systems: Fundamentals and Applications, released by Springer Nature, is taught at several U.S. universities and ranked among the top 11 best sellers in its category on Amazon.
In parallel, Yaman is pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical Power Engineering and has served as an instructor at the Oregon Institute of Technology, demonstrating his deep commitment to both innovation and academic advancement.
About the Project
Yaman’s winning innovation, Glean, was a solar-powered washing machine designed to address urgent energy and water shortages in his war-affected community. It operated entirely on solar energy and used recycled water, making laundry possible even during blackouts or water cuts. Glean stood out for its practical application in underserved regions, offering an eco-friendly and humanitarian solution.
Impact
Since Stars of Science, Yaman’s path has combined entrepreneurship, education, and clean energy innovation. From working on humanitarian-focused technologies like Glean and PenCam (a reading and writing aid for the visually impaired), to publishing a university-level textbook and leading renewable energy projects, his journey reflects the enduring power of science for impact.
He continues to inspire the next generation of Arab innovators by encouraging them to apply for Stars of Science, several of whom have reached advanced stages in the competition thanks to his mentorship.
In a region still recovering from conflict, Yaman believes education and innovation are the true building blocks of progress, and Stars of Science remains a vital platform for cultivating both.