Schneider Summer Fellowships: Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) 2023
Ensuring a Just and Equitable Transition to Clean Energy in the United States
(2 Fellows)-Cambridge, MA
Our economy needs a just and equitable transition to clean energy. The US electricity landscape is rapidly transforming, fueled by the falling costs of clean energy options like solar, wind, and battery storage, and the eroding economics of fossil fuels. That transformation offers tremendous opportunities to create jobs while improving public health, environmental quality, and energy affordability and reliability. But maximizing the benefits to people, workers, and communities most affected by disproportionate impacts from our energy system will take sustained attention -- in addressing legacy technologies like coal and natural gas, in increasing investments in clean energy technologies and systems, and in countering the efforts of opponents of the transition who aim to sow doubt and obstruct progress.
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is a national nonprofit organization that uses rigorous, independent science to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with people across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future. Today, we are a group of nearly 250 scientists and analysts, policy and communication experts, and other staff dedicated to that purpose.
During summer 2023, two UCS Schneider Sustainable Energy Fellows will work directly with Climate & Energy program staff on just and equitable transition issues, particularly in the context of the deep reductions in heat-trapping emissions necessary to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. We will be building on existing efforts and analyses for developing and promoting ambitious, equitable, and just policy recommendations.
While we tailor each Fellow’s projects to best fit their skills and interests and our needs at the time of the fellowship, fellows typically have one larger project and several smaller ones for both depth and breadth in the fellowship. Representative projects include:
- Researching and countering disinformation on clean energy, natural gas, and climate change, using best practices to reduce the impact of that disinformation and developing associated blog, web, and social media content to support climate progress
- Supporting research, analysis, and processes to clarify UCS positions on fossil fuel infrastructure issues, and on technologies and fuels such as carbon capture and storage, carbon dioxide removal, and hydrogen
- Developing rapid-response materials for the media, partners, policy makers, and other key stakeholders for major climate and extreme weather events that have a significant impact on electric-grid reliability and resilience, and disproportionate impacts on historically marginalized communities
- Investigating and documenting the extent and impact of overuse of fossil fuel-powered backup systems at data centers, including equity dimensions for neighboring communities
- Helping maximize the accessibility and impact of recent and ongoing UCS analyses, including through the development of dashboards for fast, accessible display of results from a range of power-sector models
- Supporting other clean energy analysis, public education, and advocacy, and helping with the development of texts, web features, and social media to publicize and promote components of a just transition
We are seeking candidates with a strong demonstrated interest in climate change, electricity, and equity. Ideal candidates will have solid research skills, and a willingness to take on new challenges and work in a team setting. While the position can adjust based on particular qualifications, we’re looking for graduate-level or other advanced experience in energy systems, science, engineering, public policy, economics, sociology, psychology, law, or communications. Strong analytic or writing skills would be a definite plus, as would experience with mapping/GIS and programming for one of the fellowships.
Along with being exposed to a range of climate and clean energy issues and allies, UCS Schneider Fellows will be able to engage fully in the activities of our vibrant Cambridge headquarters, located right in Harvard Square, and may have the opportunity to travel to one of our other offices or to participate in other work-related travel.
Eligibility:
For complete eligibility requirements, please review our program policies in its entirety.
Undergraduates and graduate students from all academic disciplines are encouraged to apply, and applicants may vary in academic interests, public service involvement, and experience. Priority will be given to students who have completed fewer than two previous Cardinal Quarter opportunities.
Requirements:
Selected Fellows are expected to begin service by June 19, 2023 for a summer fellowship. All fellows are required to work with their community partners full-time for twelve consecutive weeks at their placements. Fellows may be required to work remotely depending on the forthcoming University policies. Please review the complete program policies for additional requirements. Other commitments include the following:
Quarter before fellowship
- Complete an online program orientation.
- Complete Engaging in Ethical and Effective Service workshop or worksheet.
- Attend Schneider Fellows cohort session(s)
- Design a personal learning plan and share the learning plan with site supervisor and academic mentor.
During fellowship
- Submit a brief preliminary report.
- Submit a final report, complete a program evaluation, and correspond with fellowship donor(s) as requested by fellowships program staff.
Quarter after fellowship
- Attend a de-briefing meeting for the purpose of reflecting upon and evaluating fellowship experiences.
- Participate in outreach activities to share the experience and help publicize the program.
Selection Process:
For those who seek assistance, advising is available at the Haas Center to help students develop their applications.
This fellowship is intended for individuals whose application, references, and interview demonstrate
- an integration of the fellowship experience with applicant’s academic, personal and/or career goals
- prior demonstrated interest or involvement in the subject area, including related coursework
- a compelling match between applicant’s skills and interests and an organization’s work and needs
- strong potential for the fellowship experience to enlarge a candidate’s understanding of an identified community issue or challenge
Complete applications are screened, finalists interviewed, and fellows selected by our partner organizations with the intention to award fellowships within six weeks of the application deadline. Applicants should respond promptly (within 48 hours) via email to a fellowship offer, or the offer will be rescinded. Once an applicant accepts a fellowship offer, the student should promptly notify all other Stanford and non-Stanford programs to which they have applied that they have accepted another offer and to withdraw their candidacy.
