Wind turbine field visit with East African power sector delegates at Imperial Valley, California
Why did you choose ERG? ERG was unique among my options, because it allows so much freedom for curriculum choices and research topics. I needed a program where I could take technical, but also business and finance-related coursework, that will help me to gain a deeper understanding of the project finance space for renewable projects. Honestly, I just had a gut feeling when I visited ERG that this was the right place for me. A lot of that had to do with meeting ERG students and finding out how collaborative this environment is. I knew that, as someone relatively new to practicing academic research, I would need some help to get through these two years. My peers have been absolutely critical as guides for my education here, and hopefully, I’ve been able to offer them useful support, too!Speaking at the Commonwealth Club
How has it been working with your ERG advisor? Dan Kammen is a very encouraging advisor and opens doors to a lot of research and speaking opportunities for his students. For someone as accomplished and busy as Dan, it always surprises me how approachable and understanding he is as an advisor. In my experience, setbacks are part of the nature of research, and he’s been great at helping to move projects forward. What does the future look like for you? I have started to focus more on private sector investments in solar, wind, hydro and geothermal projects. I am taking an interdisciplinary mix of courses at ERG, Haas School of Business, Berkeley Law, and other departments on campus to build on my skills for energy project development and management in the private sector.