ChristiAnn Vaughn is a project manager at NLR, where she supports research and development in advanced energy control systems, hybrid power plant design and optimization, and distributed energy resources. She specializes in guiding complex, multi-institutional research projects that integrate traditional and emerging energy technologies to enable more flexible, resilient energy systems.

With a strong background in project planning and strategy, Vaughn helps translate ambitious research concepts into coordinated programs of work. She drives progress toward key milestones, aligns technical teams and stakeholders, and ensures clear communication of project outcomes and impacts. Her role also includes supporting the development of new research initiatives and proposals that advance next-generation energy systems.

Her team’s work was recognized with a 2025 R&D 100 Award, highlighting the impact of their contributions to innovation in energy systems and control technologies.

Vaughn is actively engaged in international collaboration efforts, working across organizations to align research priorities, share insights, and advance the development of energy solutions. Through this work, she helps bridge the gap between research, industry needs, and real-world deployment to accelerate the adoption of advanced energy systems, improving reliability, reducing costs, and enabling more efficient use of resources.

Prior to her tenure at NLR, Vaughn honed her project planning expertise in diverse sectors, including oilfield and environmental services, notably contributing to the Soil and Groundwater Closure Project at the U.S. Department of Energy's Savannah River Site. During her impactful five-year tenure at Schlumberger, she excelled as a geophysicist and project leader, overseeing intricate seismic reprocessing projects in the deep-water Gulf of Mexico. Combining industry expertise with extensive research experience gained as an undergraduate and graduate research assistant at the University of South Carolina and University of Southern California, Vaughn brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her role at NLR.