2022 Shultz Energy Fellowships: California Air Resources Board
Regional-, state-, and city-level efforts are essential in our fight against climate change, especially in the field of energy. Stanford University is committed to helping by integrating its students into energy and climate ecosystems in the West through the Shultz Energy Fellowships program, an energy-related summer fellowship program for undergraduate and graduate students.
Named in honor of former Secretary of State George P. Shultz, one of the most widely admired American public servants of the past half-century, the program offers a suite of paid, energy-related public service fellowships for Stanford students in California, Colorado, Utah, and Hawaii during the summer.
The fellowships run from Monday, June 20, 2022 to Friday, August 26, 2022.
Organization/Agency mission or role in state government
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is charged with protecting the public from the harmful effects of air pollution and developing programs and actions to fight climate change. CARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. CARB is the lead agency for climate change programs and oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health-based air quality standards. CARB leads by driving innovative solutions to improve public health and the environment. From requirements for clean cars and fuels to adopting innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, California has pioneered a range of effective approaches that have set the standard for effective air and climate programs for the nation and the world.
Potential Areas for Fellowship Projects
The fellow, depending on qualifications and interests, will have the opportunity to help CARB program staff (most of them scientists and engineers) research, develop, design, analyze, interpret, and report various policies aimed at supporting the transition of the transportation sector in California to clean, low-carbon technologies and fuels—including the electrification of vehicles and promotion of renewable electricity and hydrogen. In all cases, the fellow will have a chance to emphasize either the technical or policy aspects of the work based on priorities, interests, and direction from the CARB mentor. The fellow will also contribute to the preparation of official documents for public release and will be expected to prepare a fellowship report as a final work product and to offer an exit seminar open to all CARB staff. It is anticipated that this fellowship opportunity will be hybrid (in-person and remote).
Potential Projects
Effect of Fuel Prices and Fuel Reliability upon Consumers’ Decision to Purchase and Use a Zero-Emission Vehicle: Although there are many benefits to purchasing a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV), saving money on fuel is of renewed interest. With rising energy prices, savings derived by not having to purchase gasoline is an increasing benefit that could boost ZEV sales and use. At a high level, we know that fuel cost savings is a factor in the ZEV decision-making process. But we don’t know specifically how discrete increases or decreases in fuel costs impact sales or the use of ZEVs. This study would look at the elasticity or inelasticity of ZEV demand/sales and ZEV use with various fuel price levels and fuel station/charger reliability.
Potential Mentors
- Marissa Williams, Manager, Light Duty Vehicle Regulations Section
- Andrew Martinez, PhD, Air Pollution Specialist, ZEV Infrastructure Section
2021 Fellow
- Tapas Peshin, PhD Student in Energy Resources Engineering
- Learn more about Tapas's experience at CARB:
- View Tapas's final project.
- Basic understanding of California’s efforts for clean air and climate change protection and the role of public policy
- General knowledge of environmental management and of CARB and its function in the context of regulatory policy and setting emission standards for vehicles, engines, and equipment
- Strong communication skills (both written and oral)
- A demonstrated desire to work in a team environment and to learn from seasoned, expert practitioners and creators of internationally-recognized environmental policies for mobile sources
- A major in engineering, the physical sciences, and/or public policy is applicable background for this internship.
All Shultz fellows must be enrolled in the spring quarter before their fellowship.
All Shultz fellows must take a one-unit spring workshop course, 'Energy Policy in California and the West' taught by Professor Bruce Cain that will provide an in-depth analysis of the role of California state agencies, the Western Interstate Energy Board, and the Western Electricity Coordinating Council in driving energy policy development, technology innovation, and market structures. Course number is CEE 263G / POLISCI 73 / PUBLPOL 73 / ENERGY 73. Schedule: Wednesdays from 9:45 am - 10:45 am (Shriram Ctr BioChemE 108).
Please note that this opportunity is for graduate students. Interested undergraduates can apply via SIG.