Project Title: Clean Energy Transition and Strategy
Project Description: Clean energy implementation in the United States must be improved and remains too slow to sufficiently decrease carbon emissions and combat climate change. The proper technology to do so exists, however, its application must be accelerated. A critical obstacle to progress lies in American culture and social norms which must be transformed and employed to drive the industry forward. People often express their energy preferences to be low carbon intensive and yet what ultimately powers their consumption are high Co2 emitting sources. Positioning the energy transition in social contexts will examine this barrier as well as allow communities to have greater stake in the industry fostering political and economic change. This also allows for a more socially just transition taking into account an equitable demography of voices all of whom are affected by the energy industry. What mechanisms can be used to spark cultural change as well as shift social values regarding clean energy? How do we target those cultural and economic biases to ensure that people accept and adopt clean energy more quickly? I hope to uncover the ways in which clean energy can be most effectively implemented in the United States in an economically and socially sustainable way.
Most Important Accomplishment: Meeting with Cornell faculty and professionals to better understand clean energy and the ways in which I can study and apply it.
Reflections on the College Scholar Program: Even in the first seminar with my new cohort I could feel the energy, passion, and academic inclination of my new cohort. After hearing everybody introduce themselves it is clear how impressive each student is and how much I will benefit from learning alongside each and every one of them. Every project is so interesting and unique which speaks to the type of program College Scholars is. In talking to someone about their project their excitement and drive is strikingly evident. Additionally, the support each of us receive from the faculty and the school is unmatched. From the first day, Professor Goldstein made sure we all were aware of the opportunities available to us as well as what is expected from us as College Scholars. I find that being admitted as a College Scholar has only made me more eager and ready to achieve my goals as a student and professional.