2021 CELI Fellows - National Cohort

Graduate Student in Energy Science, Technology & Policy at Carnegie Mellon University

Alexandra Kramer is a Graduate Student in Energy Science, Technology & Policy at Carnegie Mellon University, which is an interdisciplinary engineering master's degree program (expected graduation: May 2022). Previously from Fall 2017-Spring 2021, she was a senior consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton in Washington, D.C. specializing in environmental, energy, and sustainability consulting. Over the summer of 2021, she will be a graduate intern at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Alexandra is an avid outdoorswoman who loves backpacking, running, rock climbing, and anything else that takes her outdoors.

Alexandra is based in Arlington, VA / Pittsburgh, PA

Pilgrim Hot Springs General Manager at Kawerak, Inc.

Amanda Toerdal is the Pilgrim Hot Springs General Manager for Kawerak, Inc., a co-managing owner of Unaatuq, LLC, where she works to further Unaatuq’s mission to share, protect, and responsibly develop resources for the wellbeing of the people of the Bering Strait Region, which is the homeland and waters of the Yup’ik, Inupiaq and St. Lawrence Island Yupik Peoples. Pilgrim Hot Springs is home to an abundant geothermal resource; rich with culture and history. Amanda loves to travel, cook, knit socks, and find ways to make the world a happier, healthier place for future generations.

Amanda is based in Nome, Alaska

Senior Research Analyst, Energy Transition Practice at Wood Mackenzie.

Benjamin Attia is a Senior Research Analyst in the Energy Transition Practice at Wood Mackenzie, where he leads the firm's coverage of solar PV in Africa and the Middle East and off-grid power and energy access in emerging markets. He also conducts affiliated research at the Energy for Growth Hub, the Energy Access Project at Duke University, and the Payne Institute at the Colorado School of Mines. His pandemic hobby has been fatherhood, mostly, with some amateur woodworking and home improvement projects mixed in. He once outran a bear -- sort of.

Benjamin is based in Boston, MA

Building Science Consultant at Think Little Home Energy LLC

Benjamin Knopp is a Building Science Consultant for Think Little Home Energy where he designs high-performance HVAC systems, and helps make buildings more comfortable, efficient, healthy, and resilient. He also holds a patent for a water heater technology developed with support from the U.S. Department of Energy and A.O. Smith Corporation. He enjoys traveling, exploring, and playing all kinds of sports, including competitive underwater rugby.

Benjamin is based in Richmond, Virginia

Project Manager at Duke Energy

Brian is a Project Manager in Duke Energy's Customer Delivery organization where he is deploying smart grid technology across the utility's Carolinas footprint. As a Professional Engineer he is passionate in connecting individuals at the intersection of technology, business and policy to solve difficult challenges in the energy sector. Outside of work, Brian loves mountain biking in the western North Carolina Mountains and cheering on the Virginia Tech Hokies.

Brian is based in Charlotte, NC

Project Manager at US Dept. of Energy

Cedar Blazek is Project Manager at the US Dept. of Energy Building Technologies Office where she works on energy efficient technology deployment for commercial buildings. Cedar is an avid snowboarder and loves to spend quality time with her partner and two small dogs.

Cedar is based in Denver, CO

Policy Fellow at Evergreen Action // Master in Public Policy candidate at Georgetown University

Devyn is pursuing a Master of Public Policy, with a focus in energy transition policy, at Georgetown's McCourt School of Public Policy. She is a Policy Fellow at Evergreen Action as well as a Policy and Advocacy Fellow at Solar United Neighbors. Before beginning graduate school, Devyn worked as a campaigner at the grassroots climate justice advocacy groups 350.org and the Power Shift Network. She is from — and currently lives in — beautiful Portland, Oregon, where she enjoys hiking, biking, and skiing in the mountains, and adventuring with her energetic rescue dog, Lyra.

Devyn is based in Portland, Oregon

Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology

Emily Grubert is an Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering where she studies decision support for large infrastructure systems, particularly related to decarbonization. Emily lives in Atlanta with her beloved carnivorous plants.

Emily is based in Atlanta, Georgia

Electrical Design Engineer at Jordan and Skala Engineers

Endam is an Electrical Designer for an MEP Consulting firm where she designs electrical systems for residential and commercial buildings. Endam is an avid learner with various interests and a very adventurous spirit (trying new hobbies, activities, and food). She speaks French and hopes to work internationally soon.

Endam is based in Dallas, Texas

Eagleton Science Fellow at New Jersey Senate Majority Office (Postdoctoral Fellow through Rutgers University)

Evvan Morton is an Eagleton Science Fellow at the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University where she serves as a science aide in the New Jersey State Legislature. She obtained her PhD in Sustainable Engineering from Arizona State University where she examined the effectiveness of US policies that govern carbon dioxide emissions and atmospheric concentrations to mitigate climate change and explored the necessity for carbon dioxide removal through political, technological, and ethical lenses. She is also the co-founder and Vice President of BioGals, a non-profit organization empowering women of color in STEM through global sustainable development projects. Evvan enjoys traveling internationally, hiking, swing dancing, and cooking plant-based meals.

Evvan is based in Philadelphia, PA

Business Development Manager at Pivot Energy

Gerald Espinosa is a Business Development Manager for Pivot Energy, where he supports the development of onsite commercial solar + storage projects for Pivot's national customers. Gerald also serves on the Board of Directors for the nonprofit Solar Energy Int'. He's currently building an all-electric Tiny Home and enjoys exploring the nearby Rocky Mountains, alongside his partner and pup.

Gerald is based in Denver, CO

Economic Analyst at Minnesota Public Utilities Commission

Hanna Terwilliger is an analyst at the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission where she works on wide range of issues related to electricity, including electric vehicles, distributed energy resources, distribution system reliability, and integrated resource planning. When not deciphering utility spreadsheets, she keeps busy converting her front yard into a vegetable garden and electrifying her 1924 house.

Hanna is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Senior Installation Program Manager at Tesla

Harrison is the Senior Installation Program Manager for Tesla where he accelerates the world's transition to sustainable energy through design, deployment, and construction of the Tesla Supercharger network. Harrison is a veteran of the US Navy Nuclear Submarine force, which allowed him the opportunity to live abroad and meet his wife while smashing atoms on the USS OKLAHOMA CITY (SSN 723). Outside of work, Harrison is an avid musician, runner, and enthusiastic father to his daughters.

Harrison is based in San Diego, CA

Director at SOTV Creators Collective

Imani Malaika Mehta is a USGBC LEED Green Classroom Professional. As CEO of SOTV with certification as an Environmental Educator (NAAEE/MEEA), Imani is also a member of ISTE, iNACOL (the Aspen Institute), and is a Sphero Lead Educator. Imani also is a supporter of GRID Alternatives and the Green Home Institute.

Research Analyst at Wood Mackenzie

Isaac Maze-Rothstein focuses on how distributed energy resources are impacting the energy transition. Prior to Wood Mackenzie, Isaac worked with a variety of clean technology startups in community solar and next generation technologies. He graduated with honors from Williams College with a major in Political Science.

Isaac is based in Boston, MA

Program Administrator at Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

Jade is a Program Administrator for the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center where she works on state grant programs relevant to grid modernization and clean transportation. As part of the agency's DEI Working Group, she also works to integrate equity & EJ principles within MassCEC's work. She loves her morning coffee, bodies of water, and her random quarantine hobbies with a passion.

Boston, MA

Mechanical Engineer at Ecotope Inc.

Jenny hails from Seattle where she works as a mechanical engineer at Ecotope to decarbonize the built environment. She is the proud owner of 31 houseplants, though by the time this bio is read, it is likely she will have unashamedly inherited more. When she's not combating climate change or watering her plant babies, you will find her climbing, hiking, or skiing in the mountains with a thermos of coffee in hand.

Jenny is based in Seattle, WA

Climate Advisor, Transportation at Natural Resources Defense Council

Jessica is the Climate Advisor for the Natural Resources Defense Council where she works day to day with the City of Los Angeles to accelerate and implement sustainable transportation projects. Jessica loves to draw and will doodle on anything. On the weekends, you can find Jessica with her husband and their pup, Chestnut, trying new restaurants or hunting for LA's best almond croissant.

Jessica is based in Los Angeles, California

Energy policy advisor at Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission

Kate Griffith is a policy advisor at the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, where she is focused on wildfire resiliency, utility resource planning, rate-setting, and the implementation of Washington state’s new law that centers equity in a clean energy transition. Before coming to Washington state and joining the commission, Kate worked as a journalist in Washington, D.C., and West Virginia, where she covered issues spanning public health, community development, and mine safety. Kate earned bachelor’s degrees in journalism, English literature, and French language and literature from West Virginia University and earned a master’s degree in international studies from the University of Washington. Kate grew up in West Virginia and developed an early interest in supporting sustainable communities. Her educational focus on narratives, culture, international development, and public policy led her to a career centered around climate policy and energy security and resiliency.

Kate is based in Seattle, WA

Reservoir Engineer at Fervo Energy

Kate is a Reservoir Engineer for Fervo Energy where she supports geothermal exploration and development through the use of advanced reservoir simulation. In her free time, Kate likes to embroider clothing, bake gluten-free sweet treats, and encourage her friends on their unique health journeys as a holistic health coach.

Kate is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Student at Transition US Marine Corps Officer / Student at Johns Hopkins University

Madison Carroll has been a CH-53E helicopter pilot in the US Marine Corps for the last 11 years. She is transitioning out of active duty this summer, finishing a Master’s degree at Johns Hopkins University in Environmental Planning and Management, and eager to begin working in the clean energy field. Maddie is an avid hiker and kayaker and loves spending time at the beach near her house.

Madison is based in Cedar Point, NC

Manager, Economics & Policy at Environmental Defense Fund

Maureen Lackner is a Manager of Economics & Policy for Environmental Defense Fund. She supports economic analysis across a range of issues with a specific focus on efforts to address methane emissions from the oil and gas industry. Maureen plays flute and loves to go climbing.

Maureen is based in Boulder, CO

Regional Director & Tribal Liaison at Vote Solar

Mayane serves as Regional Director & Tribal Liaison for Vote Solar and works on campaigns throughout the region. A proud Indigenous woman and a Tribal member of Kewa Pueblo in New Mexico, Mayane hopes to enable economic prosperity and environmental justice for her community and Indigenous peoples through energy policy reform and statewide solar campaign initiatives. Her work prioritizes environmental and energy justice for historically underserved communities.

Mayane is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Climate Advisor at Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)

Megan Ross is a Climate Advisor with the American Cities Climate Challenge, working in partnership with NRDC and the Los Angeles Mayor's Office of Sustainability. Her portfolio focuses on buildings and energy: decarbonization pathways, energy efficiency programs, and the intersection of housing, utilities, jobs, and equity. Previous experience includes sustainability consulting in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest as well as project management and GIS for the engineering industry in Alaska. She loves hiking with her dog, doing the NYT crossword, and finding people-centered solutions to complex problems.

Megan is based in Los Angeles, CA

Senior Customer Experience Engineer at FedEx

Michael Caballero is a Senior Engineer for Fedex Latin American and the Caribbean focused on quality training and process improvement and a Ph.D student in Industrial Engineering at the University of Miami looking to conduct his research in distributed energy generation. In his free time Michael likes to play softball and kickball and loves going to rock concerts.

Michael is based in Miami, Florida