Hometown
Berrien Springs, MI
Undergraduate education
BS in environmental studies and sustainability, science technology, environment, and public policy (STEPP), Michigan State University
Professional/research interests
Energy Policy
Accomplishments
Presenting research poster at the Midwest Energy Forum in La Crosse, WI, and APPAM in Seattle, WA
Expected graduation date
May 2026
Why the La Follette School?
I chose to attend the La Follette School to explore my interests in crafting equitable energy policy and to build a resilient electric grid in the face of climate change. I was really attracted to the foundation of quantitative skills that the program has and the real-world application of them in classes with client projects like Public Affairs 881: Cost-Benefit Analysis and the Capstone class, Public Affairs 869: Workshop in Public Affairs.
Career goals
I aim to utilize my interdisciplinary knowledge of environmental science, energy policy, and sustainability to support evidence-based decisions for an equitable and resilient electric grid. I am passionate about advancing a sustainable and just energy transition through policy and analysis. Additionally, my interests are in bridging the gap between academics and everyday people.
How has the La Follette School set you on the path to meeting your career goals?
I have learned a lot of analytical skills in my classes on microeconomics, statistical methods, and energy analysis which has proved useful because I have used these skills in a research project that I have continued working on from my undergrad institution. This past spring I finished up my analysis and wrote a white paper on my research which looks at quantifying the revenue flow of Power Purchase Agreements of wind and solar projects in Michigan and Ohio. Through that process I got feedback on it from an energy lawyer in Madison who also taught an energy markets class I took in the spring and my faculty advisor, Morgan Edwards. I am really excited because I presented my research at two conferences in November (Midwest Energy Forum in La Crosse, WI and Association of Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM) in Seattle, WA) and this was a goal of mine that I was able to reach with the support of LFS and my faculty advisors.
At the conferences, I talked to industry experts and academic researchers in the energy space and received a lot of encouraging feedback. I am motivated to continue sharing my project’s findings!
Assistantship
I am a research assistant for the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics work with a broad research group on UW WARF Fusion Initiative. My research within the group focuses on understanding fusion experts’ perceptions and mental models of the public and public engagement as well as how the public envisions the future of energy/fusion and their role in shaping it.
Internship
Energy Advisory Intern at ICF International
Primary internship responsibilities
- Authored a comprehensive report detailing the legislative revisions made by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) to the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) energy tax credit programs, for the PJM assumptions book.
- Conducted a detailed analysis comparing PJM market data from Q1 to the Q3 OBBBA base case examining the changes to capacity buildout, market price projections, and LCOE of solar, wind, SMRs, and CCGT with CCS resources, using MS Excel, R Studio, and ICF’s Returns Check Tool.
- Presented key findings and strategic implications of the OBBBA analysis to the PJM Power team.
Advice for prospective La Follette School students
Try something new and challenge yourself!
Before the La Follette School
I received my bachelor’s degree from MSU in environmental studies and sustainability with a focus in energy policy. Through this degree I learned the importance of looking at wicked problems through a holistic lens and incorporating diverse perspectives in the decision-making process. I took those learnings with me to Madison to continue my education where I hope to bridge the gap between the drafting of energy policy and its implementation by developing the crucial skills needed in policy analysis.
La Follette School Student Association
I am currently the 2nd year Graduation Coordinator on the La Follette School Student Assocation (LSSA) board. I organize, plan, and coordinate the LFS graduation ceremony and reception.
Volunteer activities
I am one of two EAP Student Representatives, where I organize and plan social events and tours of energy facilities on and off campus. Being involved in this has really helped me to foster community across multiple departments and expand my network and create opportunities for other students.
People would be surprised if they knew that I …
Began riding in horse competitions at five years old.
Anything Else?
I had a unique childhood in the sense that I grew up nestled within the woods on a hobby horse farm. I grew up riding my horses every day of the summer, walking the trails on my family’s home property. Being engulfed in nature nearly my entire childhood instilled a strong appreciation for nature for its ecosystem services, and its mental health benefits which is something I think everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy especially in the face of climate change. As a senior in high school, I took an Environmental biology class that opened ideas to career opportunities in making a positive difference. I took this idea with me to MSU where I studied environmental science and used sustainability frameworks to think about wicked problems through a holistic lens with diverse perspectives. I further narrowed my focus to energy issues taking energy and society class and research. I am excited to be continuing my work in energy policy at LFS where I can make a positive impact in decarbonizing the electric grid.