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Isabella R

- Research Program Mentor

MS candidate at University College London

Expertise

Environmental Economics, Energy Modelling, Environmental Policy, Climate and Energy Transition, Energy Modeling, International Affairs, Carbon Footprinting, Net Zero, Literature Reviews, Applying behavioural economics to environmental issues

Bio

I am dedicated to building new energy and economic systems that help to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability. Throughout my undergraduate and postgraduate studies, I have found that my interests lie primarily in energy systems, carbon dioxide removal, and assisting companies and governments to achieve climate targets. In the past five years, I have worked at a research thinktank, a marketing start-up, a battery-tech company, and as a researcher in academia. My current work focuses on capturing the carbon footprint of science research, evaluating carbon dioxide removal projects for true removal potential, and commercializing new renewable technologies. I have lived in 5 countries and absolutely love travelling and learning new languages. I also love painting, baking, farming/gardening, and being active. I currently live in London, and my favorite thing to do is bike around the city!

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Sustainability strategy: business plan

Choose a company sector of your choice (fashion, food, entertainment,...others) and identify direct actions the company can take to increase its environmental sustainability. Comment on actions the company is currently taking (if they are taking any actions) and evaluate the effectiveness of their sustainability strategy. Provide new ideas to improve the company's sustinability, drawing on academic journal articles and high quality sources. This process will include a literature review and developing a research outline. Results can be presented as a paper or in the form of a presentation.

Becoming a data detective

Choose a factual from a news article, website, or report and investigate it. The fact should not be based on original information (i.e. it should be reused or cited). Trace the fact back to its original source. Demonstrate how it was estimated/measured/created and evaluate the appropriateness of the fact for its present use. Show the steps taken to reconfigure the fact for its current use and comment on the appropriateness of these changes. Conclude with an evaluation of any discrepancies between the final factual claim and the original fact. In this process you will develop the skills to investigate statements that are often assumed as fact. This project will arm you with valuable critical thinking and researching skills.

Coding skills

R, OSeMOSYS energy modelling

Languages I know

Italian (conversationally fluent), Spanish (conversationally fluent), Russian (beginner)

Teaching experience

I worked as a Peer Tutor throughout my undergraduate studies, tutoring in economics and Russian.

Credentials

Work experience

University College London (2022 - Current)
Research Associate
Form Energy (2020 - 2021)
Business Development and Analytics Co-op
Institute for Economics and Peace (2019 - 2019)
Research Assistant
Glamping Hub (2018 - 2018)
Marketing and PR Assistant

Education

Northeastern University
BA Bachelor of Arts (2020)
Economics and International Affairs
University College London
MS Master of Science candidate
Economics and Policy of Energy and the Environment

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