Nichole Fitzgerald plays a critical role as the deputy director of the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). In this capacity, she is in charge of leading efforts to promote research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. With a budget of over $1.6 billion dedicated to hydrogen and fuel cell RD&D activities under her supervision, she plays a key role in driving innovation in this sector. Additionally, she is responsible for coordinating more than $9.5 billion in hydrogen-related activities across the DOE, with the goal of fostering a robust domestic economy and ensuring an affordable and secure energy future. Fitzgerald's accomplishments include spearheading the development of the 2024 DOE Hydrogen Program Plan, which serves as a roadmap for advancing hydrogen and fuel cell RD&D initiatives within the department. Prior to her current position, Fitzgerald has been involved in various innovative initiatives, such as BOTTLE, ChemCatBio, and BioESep, all aimed at promoting bioenergy applications through cutting-edge technologies. With a Ph.D. in chemistry from Stanford University and a B.S. in chemistry from the College of William and Mary, Fitzgerald brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role, driving the advancement of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in the United States.