Coming from Beijing, where air pollution is a major challenge, Zeyuan Zhou became interested in environmental problems caused by energy consumption. An atmospheric scientist by training, Zhou studied PM2.5 pollution—considered by many to be the most toxic form of pollution. But while living in China, she noticed the tight connection this pollution had to the economy. Read more…
Chenyu Qiu experienced first-hand the terrible pollution in his home country of China, motivating him to do something about it. After completing his master’s degree at the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy in 2014, he decided to spend the summer before his Harris doctoral program began back home. He participated in a trip with China’s Environmental Research Group organized by Political Science Professor Dali Yang. There, in addition to again witnessing the many local environmental problems, he saw “local government efforts in making better policies.” This further fueled his motivation to help China improve energy and environment policymaking. Read more…
As an intern in a Tokyo consulting firm, Yawen Zhao noticed many Japanese brands creating air conditioners that could detect human movements and body temperature in order to automatically adjust temperatures to save energy. She learned from this the impact technology could have on shaping and benefitting policy. Read more…
Of the major challenges we face today, energy is a key concern. It’s also what Vanya Britto sees the global energy challenge we face today and wants to work toward solving it. That’s why she is studying energy sustainability as a masters’ student at the Harris School of Public Policy, and why she is working to help bridge the disconnect between science and policy. Read more…