M.S. position in Energy & Environmental Policy Spandagos Lab, University of New Hampshire

The Spandagos Lab of Energy & Environmental Policy at the University of New Hampshire is seeking a highly motivated M.S. student interested in energy system transformations and policy.

The Lab: The Spandagos Lab, located at the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment (NREN) addresses questions of U.S. and international energy & environmental policy, including the connections between the environmental, economic, technological & social components of energy system transformations. By combining engineering, economic, data science and social science methods, we develop interdisciplinary, state-of-the-art tools to effectively guide policy-making towards a cost-effective and beneficial energy future for all.

Key research themes include: 1) Viable and beneficial energy innovations, 2) Energy behaviors and technology adoption, and 3) Interdisciplinary models of socio-technical energy systems. More details about these themes can be found here. The methods we use include but are not limited to machine learning, optimization modeling, agent-based modeling, econometrics, behavioral experiments and surveys. Our work is often published in some of the most impactful scientific journals and featured on popular international media. Examples of key publications can be found here, here and here.

The M.S. position: The position will start in Fall 2025. The successful applicant will be admitted to the M.S. in Natural Resources and the Environment, NREN’s interdisciplinary graduate program which combines advanced research skills and training in the natural sciences with a fundamental understanding of economics, policy and resource management. Information about the program can be found here. The M.S. student will develop unique project components that coincide with the key themes of the Spandagos Lab. The student will be expected to present results at scientific conferences and lead publications in high-impact scientific journals.

Funding: Stipend, health insurance, tuition, and all project operating costs will be provided. The student will be funded through a combination of Teaching and Research Assistantships.

Essential qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering, economics, public policy, behavioral science, or any field relevant to energy and the environment- with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Demonstrated interest in energy and environmental policy, and/or the human dimensions of energy system transformations.
• High independence and a strong work ethic.
• Desire to conduct interdisciplinary work.

Desired qualifications include:

• Strong quantitative and modeling skills. Strong and demonstrated skills in a programing language such as Python, STATA, Matlab, R or GAMS are especially desired. Experience with optimization modeling is especially desired.
• Strong communication and writing skills.

Application instructions and timeline: To express interest, please email Lab Director Constantine Spandagos (constantine.spandagos@unh.edu) and attach a single PDF file that includes your academic CV and a cover letter providing a brief summary of your background, research experience and skills.

Short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews starting in May 2025.