Overview Coal Phaseout Gas Leaks Climate metrics

Meet the PI

Dr. Morgan Edwards

I am an Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s La Follette School of Public Affairs with affiliations at the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies and Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment (SAGE), Holtz Center for Science & Technology Studies, and Energy Analysis and Policy (EAP) graduate certificate.

My research and teaching focus on just energy responses to the climate crisis across policymaking scales. Here in the lab, we apply mixed quantitative and qualitative methods, combining large datasets, systems modeling, and community knowledge to understand the impacts of energy use and identify sustainable and equitable solutions to address these impacts. Outside of the lab, I enjoy rock climbing, cooking, and hiking with my dog, Bear. If you see me riding around campus on my bike, please stop and say hi.

 
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Our lab is guided by three primary values:

01

Collaboration

We need all hands on deck to address the climate crisis — from many disciplines, backgrounds, and perspectives. We work collaboratively with each other and with policymakers, community groups, and other organizations.

02

Equity and Inclusion

We work to advance equity here in the lab beyond. We invest in learning about and systemic biases and injustices and actively work to make science and policy more welcoming, inclusive, and transparent.

03

Policy Impact

We ground our research in real world policy problems and take a solutions-oriented perspective. We prioritize making our data and insights relevant to different climate actors, including community organizations and state and local governments.

Current lab members

Our team gallery
Matilyn (Mattie) Bindl
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, policy implications, and equity impacts of negative emissions technologies. 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, and spending time with family and friends.

Zachary Thomas
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
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
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!

Jaime Garibay Rodriguez
Jaime Garibay Rodriguez

I am a Postdoc at La Follette School of Public Affairs. My research focuses on modeling and optimizing sustainable energy transition systems, particularly related to meeting building energy demands. I obtained my Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering working in the modeling and mathematical optimization of sustainable systems, with applications in water management and waste-to-energy. Previously, I was a Research Assistant at the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research (UFZ) in Leipzig, Germany.

Jing Ling Tan
Jing Ling Tan

I am pursuing a Master’s in International Public Affairs and a certificate in Energy Analysis and Policy. My research focuses on environmental policies and politics - with current emphasis on heat pump policy adoption in the U.S. Previously, I was a Research Assistant at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, and studied in Sciences Po and the National University of Singapore. Outside the lab, I can be found across a chess board, on a bicycle, or browsing my next travel destination.

Kyla Smith
Kyla Smith

I am pursing my master’s degree in Environment and Resources and a certificate in Energy Analysis and Policy. My research looks into equity implications of housing electrification through quantitative, qualitative, and community based methodologies. I also engage in multiple community based projects with Urban Triage and Sustain Dane, focusing on energy and environmental education. Outside of academics, I love to read romance and sci-fi novels, hang out with my cats and partner, and spend time in nature.

Nilanjan Biswas
Nilanjan Biswas

I am a master’s student in the Nelson Institute's Environment and Resources program. My research interests lie in global energy transition scenarios and the feasibility and impact of fossil fuel phase out. After my BS in Chemical Engineering, I garnered valuable experience in the oil, gas, and energy industry. After my MBA, I also ventured into supply chain consulting, where I assisted clients in devising and implementing sustainable solutions. Outside the lab, you will find me cooking, biking, sketching, or painting.

Francie Fink
Francie Fink

I am pursuing a Master’s in Public Affairs with a certificate in Energy Analysis and Policy. Since graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a BS in Environmental Sciences, my workplace projects have focused on equitable program design at the municipal level for residential energy efficiency and electrification. I am excited to continue analyzing policies and technology for a just energy transition. In my free time, I enjoy running, watching re-runs of Survivor, and spending time outdoors with friends and loved ones!

Past members of the Lab

Previous members of the lab can be found here.

Join the Lab!

Prospective students

We are a growing group of students and researchers with a shared passion for evidence-based climate and energy policy. Our graduate student members are affiliated with MPA and MIPA programs at the La Follette School of Public Affairs and MS and PhD programs at the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. We also work with undergraduates from across campus.

Prospective PostDocs (We are hiring!)

We are inviting applications for Postdoctoral Research Associates in energy transitions and climate policy. We are hiring up to two postdocs to lead innovative research that advances their professional goals and relates to core research themes in the lab. Focus areas can include fossil fuel transitions, carbon dioxide removal, prospective equity assessment of early-stage technologies, and health and equity effects of local climate policies. The priority deadline is October 2, 2024 and start dates are flexible (fall 2024 to summer 2025). More information here.

What to send

Prospective students can send an email to Professor Edwards with the subject line “Prospective Student: Your Name” with a CV and a brief description of yourself and how your interests intersect with research at the Climate Action Lab. Please allow one week for a response before following up.

If you are applying to graduate school, you are also encouraged to check out the programs at the La Follette School and the Nelson Institute and think about which is the best fit for your goals. While many students are funded by the lab, you are also encouraged to apply for external fellowship opportunities (e.g., NSF) when eligible. Note that deadlines for fellowships can be earlier than those for graduate school applications.

Priority research areas for new students are: (1) environmental justice and geospatial analysis (especially of large and novel datasets, including satellite data) and (2) fossil fuel phaseout (from a variety of methodological perspectives, including macro energy systems modeling, qualitative data analysis, and community-engaged planning approaches).