SAMANTHA S
- Research Program Mentor
MEM candidate at Duke University
Expertise
Asset Management, MBA Applications, ESG, Energy, Sustainability, Wealth Management, Climate Policy
Bio
Hello! I am an MBA/MEM candidate at Duke University, focusing on the nexus between capital markets and the energy transition. I am passionate about contributing to climate change mitigation by leveraging my five years of experience in finance. By enhancing my technical environmental knowledge, I aim to create a meaningful impact in this space. Over the past year, I have been laying the groundwork in the energy sector, covering everything from the intricacies of the US electricity grid to promising nascent renewable energy technologies. I am conducting research this summer on EV Charger Installations and will be starting at Fuqua in the fall. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, bouldering, and yoga. I find that being active brings clarity and balance to my life. I am also a certified 200-hour yoga teacher and love sharing the benefits of yoga with others.Project ideas
Assessing Progress of IRA Climate Policies
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 represents a landmark legislative effort by the United States to address climate change through comprehensive economic and environmental policies. The act includes provisions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy, and encouraging sustainable practices across various sectors. With significant financial investments and regulatory changes, the IRA seeks to position the U.S. as a global leader in climate action. This project aims to assess the progress of the IRA's climate policies, evaluating their effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement. Objectives: 1. Evaluate Policy Implementation: * Examine the extent to which the IRA’s climate policies have been implemented since its enactment. * Identify key milestones achieved and any delays or challenges faced in the implementation process. 2. Measure Environmental Impact: * Analyze data on greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy adoption, and other environmental indicators. * Assess the direct and indirect impacts of IRA policies on reducing emissions and promoting sustainability. 3. Economic Analysis: * Evaluate the economic effects of the IRA’s climate policies, including job creation, industry growth, and cost savings. * Investigate the financial implications for businesses and consumers. 4. Stakeholder Perspectives: * Gather insights from key stakeholders, including government agencies, industry leaders, environmental organizations, and affected communities. * Understand the perceived benefits and drawbacks of the IRA’s climate policies from various perspectives. 5. Policy Recommendations: * Based on the findings, provide recommendations for improving the effectiveness of the IRA’s climate policies. * Suggest additional measures or adjustments to enhance policy outcomes and address any identified gaps.
MBA Application
Applying for top MBA programs from a non-traditional route can feel out of reach and like a full-time job. As someone who successfully navigated this process on my own, I am happy to share my experience and best practices, covering everything from scoping target schools and pre-application networking to essay brainstorming and review. This could also apply to students interested in pursuing Business in undergrad or specific collegiate programs in the field.