Climate Frontiers: Energy and Climate at UChicago

The University of Chicago is already leading field-defining research to confront our world’s energy and climate challenges. We invite members of the University community and public to explore a showcase highlighting UChicago climate and energy research programs and centers, as well as student-led initiatives and student research posters.

Additionally, UChicago students will have the opportunity to learn about the diverse career paths within the extensive climate and energy landscape through a Career Fair, including two informational sessions with Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE)—a national nonprofit working across the renewable energy economy with a broad purpose—to change our energy future through the collective power of community.

Preparing the leaders of tomorrow is central to the University’s mission, and the new institute will provide UChicago students with a comprehensive education in preparation for a wide array of such careers.

12:00pm-12:45pm | WRISE: Renewables 101

This presentation will provide students with an overview of renewables value chain, technologies, and org/team structures, and panelists will share examples from their professional experiences. Attending this session is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Betsy Burman, Director of Talent Operations & Administration, Bluestar Energy Capital

Melissa Duyar, Project Manager of Civil Engineering in Renewables, Kimley-Horn & Associates

Veronica Hume, Senior Manager of Project M&A, RWE Clean Energy

1:00pm-1:45pm | WRISE: Career Paths in Clean Energy

This moderated panel will include Q&A about panelists’ career path, current role, and responsibilities. The panel will share advice on how students can prepare and recruit for roles like theirs. Attending this session is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Jewelia Dakin, Senior Manager of Channel Marketing, Sunnova Energy

Molly Colburn, Staff Engineer in Renewables, Invenergy

Aliyah Collins, Program Manager, Blacks in Green

Camille Minns, Associate of Building Decarbonization, Clean Energy Works

Sonya Dekhtyar, Manager of Structured Finance, RWE Clean Energy

**The Career Fair is intended for University of Chicago students only and will continue until 3:00pm.

Featuring opening remarks by President Alivisatos and a presentation by the new institute’s founding director Michael Greenstone.

Leadership Dialogue One | Balancing Climate and Growth: A Policy Dialogue with John Podesta

The University of Chicago has a renowned tradition of pioneering economic thinking to tackle major societal challenges. Climate change is no exception. As world leaders work to balance the urgent priority for economic growth with the equally pressing need to stabilize the climate, public policy strategies have taken center stage. John Podesta has spent his decades-long career advising policymakers, including Presidents Obama and Biden, on U.S. and global climate policy. Join Podesta and Michael Greenstone for a conversation about the state of U.S. and global climate policy, the tension between climate and growth, and the role that the University of Chicago can play through research and education.

John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy, The White House

Michael Greenstone, Director, EPIC; Milton Friedman Distinguished Professor in Economics

Moderated by Heidi Heitkamp, Former U.S. Senator, North Dakota; Director, University of Chicago Institute of Politics

Leadership Dialogue Two | Energy Storage and the Future of Clean Tech

The University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory represent the nation’s largest concentration of energy technology experts, a group with particular strength in energy storage and advanced materials. The development of affordable batteries for automotive and grid applications is often referred to as the holy grail of Cleantech. Join world-renowned battery scientist Shirley Meng, former Department of Energy Undersecretary for Science Paul Dabbar and leading industry experts for a conversation on the future of clean tech, the state of energy storage, and the role University of Chicago researchers are playing in developing world-changing clean technologies.

Shirley Meng, Founding Faculty Director, Energy Technologies Initiative; Professor of Molecular Engineering, Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering

Paul M. Dabbar, Former Undersecretary for Science, U.S. Department of Energy; Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, Bohr Quantum Technology; Senior Research Scholar, Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University 

Calvin Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer, Exelon Corporation

Moderated by Amy Harder, Executive Editor, Cipher

Leadership Dialogue Three | Climate Systems Engineering: A Research-First Approach to a Multidimensional Challenge

Inspired by the University’s tradition of fearlessly pursuing ideas wherever they lead, the University launched the Climate Systems Engineering initiative (CSEi) last year with Professor David Keith as the founding director. In doing so, the University is fostering an new field devoted to exploring technologies that could reduce the risks posed by greenhouse gases that have already accumulated in the atmosphere. This panel will explore the human, governance, and technical questions surrounding these emerging technologies. How do scientists and policymakers weigh the potential benefits and costs, and balance the uncertainties? What knowledge is needed to inform decisionmakers about their possible use? How do leaders coordinate a global strategy?

David Keith, Founding Faculty Director, Climate Systems Engineering Initiative; Professor, Geophysical Sciences

Hina Rabbani Khar, Member of the Pakistan National Assembly, Former Foreign Minister of Pakistan

Nat Keohane, President of the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions

Moderated by Amy Harder, Executive Editor, Cipher