2026 Shultz Energy Fellowships: California Energy Commission, Office of Commissioner Noemí Gallardo
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, Nevada, and Utah during the summer.
The fellowship runs from Monday, June 22, 2026 to Friday, August 28, 2026.
Organization/Agency mission or role in state government
The California Energy Commission is leading the state to a 100 percent clean energy future for all. As the state's primary energy policy and planning agency, the Energy Commission plays a critical role in creating the energy system of the future - one that is clean, is modern, and ensures the fifth largest economy in the world continues to thrive.
Potential Projects
The Shultz Fellow placed in the Office of Commissioner Noemí Gallardo will have the opportunity to work on the following projects:
- Clean Energy Permitting in California: This project will examine California’s clean energy permitting landscape, focusing on timelines, agency roles, and key regulatory bottlenecks affecting energy infrastructure development. The fellow will analyze recent projects and statutory frameworks to identify opportunities to improve coordination, predictability, and speed while maintaining environmental and community protections.
- In-State Geothermal Development: This project will assess the status and potential of in-state geothermal development in California, with an emphasis on permitting, grid integration, and market competitiveness. The fellow will review existing geothermal projects and policy frameworks to identify barriers and opportunities for scaling geothermal as a reliable, in-state clean energy resource.
Work Environment
This is a hybrid opportunity.
Potential Mentor
- Jimmy Qaqundah, Legal and Policy Advisor to Commissioner Gallardo
Desired Skills
- Excellent research and analytical skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Well-organized and detail-oriented
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a small team and independently
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' 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 1:30 pm - 2:50 pm.
