EPIC welcomes a new class of fellows (2023-2025) to the highly-competitive program which provides young researchers who have completed their bachelor’s degrees the opportunity to gain hands-on research experience in a full-time work environment under the guidance of EPIC-affiliated faculty and researchers.
Sariya Stowers
Sariya Stowers is a pre-doctoral fellow working with Michael Greenstone. The project Sariya is currently on covers a widespread energy policy Renewable Portfolio Standards. The paper estimates how the policy, which regulates the amount of clean energy sources used in a utility’s electricity mix, affects retail electricity rates. Sariya graduated from Macalester College with a Bachelors in Economics and Political Science. There, Sariya undertook two major research projects focusing on the role of renewable energy policy in the U.S. asking questions like: ‘Why do states pass renewable energy policy?’; and ‘How do those policies affect electricity prices?’
“The electricity sector is a fundamental element of the lives of virtually every person in the U.S. Understanding the way it interacts with our climate goals is extremely important. Being a part of EPIC, I get the opportunity to interact with leaders in the field and others who share similar interests. I also have the chance to sharpen my research skills and further explore my interests for future endeavors.”
Linnea Holy
Linnea Holy is a Research Professional at the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC). She is working with Professor Koichiro Ito on electricity markets in Chile, researching the value of transmission lines and policies encouraging investment in renewable energy. She has a Bachelor’s degree in economics and mathematics with high honors from Swarthmore College. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Linnea dreams of making an impact on the world around her through improving community well-being. In college, she quickly realized that decision-makers listen to the language of economics, so when she discovered she enjoys math and working with data, she dove right in. Her academic interests include econometrics, the environment / ecology, racism in America, and sexual health / sex work. In her free time, Linnea enjoys biking, particularly bikepacking, and cooking.
“When I got the offer, I jumped at the chance to contribute to economics research I so wholeheartedly agree with. Since I’m considering grad school, I hoped to work with a top-tier researcher who had a reputation for good mentorship. With Koichiro, I hit the jackpot. The mission and rigor of the research at EPIC attract a talented cohort; working among such motivated, fascinating peers is icing on the cake. And personally, I will always feel at home in the Midwest. The affordability of Chicago certainly doesn’t hurt, either.”
Miriam Gold
Miriam Gold is a pre-doctoral fellow at EPIC working with Harris School of Public Policy Assistant Professor Eyal Frank. She supports projects studying the impact of locust plagues on child development in Africa and Asia and the effectiveness of fishery management laws in the United States. Originally from Michigan, Miriam received her BA in quantitative economics with a minor in environmental studies at St. Olaf College in Minnesota. Since then, she has authored work on methods of improving conservation program cost estimates using machine learning and big data.
“I joined EPIC to be surrounded by a group of curious young researchers who care about the changing environment. Eyal’s research agenda aligns closely with the topics I hope to study in graduate school, including the valuation of ecosystem services. Understanding how to take an idea from question to answer using state-of-the-art tools is preparing me to contribute to a fuller understanding of the complex interactions between ecosystem and economy.”
Noah Sobel-Lewin
Noah Sobel-Lewin is a pre-doctoral fellow at EPIC. He is working with Michael Greenstone on a project comparing the geographic distribution of historical CO2 emissions and the distribution of projected damages due to climate change. He is broadly interested in environmental economics, public finance, and econometrics. Previously, he researched the impact of India’s PMGSY project on economic activity. Noah attended the University of Chicago where he majored in mathematics and economics.
“I chose EPIC because it provides an amazing opportunity to investigate pressing environmental and energy problems alongside scholars at the forefront of their fields. I have always wanted to participate in research that has the ability to provide direct positive change on the world. EPIC provides such a setting. When I speak to my colleagues, everyone is tackling interesting and exciting topics that are relevant to our future. I am thrilled to be a part of such a vibrant research community and to have the opportunity to work with such thoughtful and hardworking faculty members and pre-docs.”
To learn more about the program or apply, visit here.