Our Bass Connections team looked at big trends in both onshore and offshore wind. The great thing about studying energy at Duke—in addition to the high caliber of professors and comprehensive curriculum—is the variety of out-of-classroom opportunities the school offers, including significant industry exposure.

My bachelor’s degrees in geology and environmental science exposed me to how the United States lags behind when it comes to renewable energy. I decided to go to grad school because I needed to better understand the nuances of how the energy system functions, why progress has been slow, and how we can advance renewables through policy.

The interdisciplinary overview of energy systems I encountered during my first year at the Nicholas School of the Environment helped me to realize that I may be able to make the most impact at the center of the Venn diagram—where technology meets policy meets culture meets business factors. That could take the form of renewable project development, although I’m considering other directions, too.

I am confident that my education and experiences at Duke are preparing me to make a true impact in the energy sector after I graduate.