Matilyn (Mattie) Bindl
I am pursuing a PhD in Environment and Resources and a certificate in Energy Analysis and Policy. My research uses integrated assessment models to understand the scale-up potential and impacts of carbon dioxide removal (CDR). As a long-time Badger, I earned my MS in Environment and Resources in 2022 and BS in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences in 2019 from UW-Madison. Outside of the lab, I enjoy baking, gardening, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.
Zachary Thomas
I am a master’s student in the Nelson Institute’s Environment and Resources Program. My research examines the effects of corporate venture capital on clean-tech startup growth and its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions reductions. I began researching clean-tech innovation at the Center for Global Sustainability at the University of Maryland after graduating in 2019 with a B.S. in Physics and B.A. in Government and Politics.
Jake Erickson
I am pursuing a joint PhD in Agricultural and Applied Economics and Environment and Resources. My research focuses on measuring and modeling the equity impacts of clean energy transitions. Previously, I worked in energy consulting, conducted field research on energy access in sub-Saharan Africa, and led environmental curriculum development projects in the Marshall Islands. When not coding in R or going down equity metric rabbit-holes, I enjoy biking or running around lake Wanaka, working in the garden, or re-watching Lord of the Rings with my wife and two cats.
Raines Lucas
I am an undergraduate studying Economics, Math, and Chinese. I am interested in modeling the interaction of environmental change and the global economy. I'm especially passionate about the future of sustainable food production and the possibility of local, self-provisioning economies. My current research develops statistical models in areas such as aviation and agricultural technology. Outside the lab you'll find me hiking, playing music, or cooking!
Jennifer Jones
I am a PhD student at the Nelson Institute’s Environment and Resources program, and I am interested in tribal energy sovereignty and indigenous climate resiliency. My research supports tribal nations pursuing clean, reliable electricity for tribal communities. With intentions to support future Indigenous climate leaders and researchers, I am excited to connect and support Indigenous youth interested in climate justice. In my free time, I enjoy watching Korean dramas, traveling to concerts, and connecting at Indigenous events, like powwows and round dances.
Cande Bergero
I am an interdisciplinary researcher committed to advancing climate change mitigation through data-driven, human-centered, and policy-relevant research. My work integrates human-Earth modeling, climate policy analysis, and social implications of decarbonization to support equitable and effective net-zero transitions. I am currently a RISE Fellow at the La Follette School of Public Affairs, where I study labor market impacts and job outcomes under U.S. net-zero pathways. I also contribute to the State of CDR Report by designing and analyzing mitigation scenarios using integrated assessment models.
Mokshda Kaul
I am an interdisciplinary policy scholar studying energy and climate policy from design through implementation. Specifically, I investigate how energy policies can be leveraged to decarbonize energy systems in equitable and inclusive ways. Currently as a Postdoc at the Nelson Institute of Environmental Studies, my research focuses on clean energy deployment in the Midwest, fossil fuel worker transitions, and clean energy policy tradeoffs. I obtained my Ph.D. in Sustainable Energy from the School of Sustainability at Arizona State University. In my free time, I enjoy cooking multi-course meals, hiking, or finding new hobbies to pursue.