Introducing the 2024-2025 Cohort of Future Climate Leaders Joining the MCSC Climate and Sustainability Scholars Program

The MIT Climate and Sustainability Consortium (MCSC) is excited to welcome a new cohort of students into the Climate and Sustainability Scholars Program. Eighteen undergraduate students, passionate about climate and sustainability, are joining the MCSC community to explore and strengthen their interests and skills, while implementing research projects directly supported by faculty and principal investigators across MIT. The students, from all five of MIT’s schools, are eager to gain exposure to new angles of climate and sustainability, share ideas with peers, and continue making a positive impact. Learn more about the 2024-2025 Climate & Sustainability Scholars below.

TOPIC: Investigating the Morphology of Bioinspired Random Heteropolymers for Protein Stabilization in Plastic Degradation.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Alfredo Alexander-Katz

What skills are you hoping to grow through the scholars program?

I am excited to develop stronger interdisciplinary collaboration skills, specifically learning how to effectively translate complex technical concepts into actionable strategies for climate and sustainability. Additionally, I hope to sharpen my research communication and public speaking skills.

TOPIC: Ultradense and Efficient Power Converters for Variable DC-AC Applications

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Samantha Coday

What are you most excited about for the Scholars Program?

It’s incredibly valuable to have a program that brings together people who are passionate about climate change and are all tackling it from different backgrounds, because sustainability is such an interdisciplinary area. I’m very excited to learn from guest lecturers and fellow peers from a variety of departments and research areas, and use these interactions to inform my own work and my broader knowledge about the energy transition and solutions to the climate crisis.

TOPIC: Modeling and Mitigating Flood Risk on the MIT Campus

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Kenneth Strzepek

Based on your academic discipline, what unique perspective do you bring to research about climate and sustainability?

As a civil engineering major and urban planning minor, I hope to approach sustainability challenges with an understanding of both the physical structure of our built environment and the way it is designed and governed.

TOPIC: Exploring Salinity Tolerance of Etoposide-Treated Cajanus Cajan (Pigeon Pea)

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Mary Gehring

What skills are you hoping to grow through the scholars program?

I look forward to growing as a researcher at the Climate & Sustainability Scholars Program, as my senior year progresses and I get ready to enter the post-graduation academic path. Plant response to various environmental stresses urgently needs more studies to preserve both wild ecosystems and our food supply, so I am excited to contribute to this cause by learning how to ask the most fruitful and insightful questions.

TOPIC:  Generalizing an AI Model for Flood Risk and Resilience Assessment in Thailand

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Miho Mazereeuw

What are you most excited about for the Scholars Program?

I am most looking forward to connecting with the incredible scholars from diverse fields across MIT’s many majors and learning from the guest speakers throughout the year in Climate.UAR. It’s so cool to see everyone’s shared passion for climate justice and the different ways people are tackling these challenges—from addressing issues like the hole in the ozone layer to discovering ways to drive sustainable construction and infrastructure. The talks so far have been amazing, and I can’t wait for what’s next!

TOPIC: Leveraging ESG Shareholder Proposals to Drive Corporate Accountability in Climate Action

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS: Bram van der Kroft and Roberto Rigobon

Based on your academic discipline, what unique perspective do you bring to research about climate and sustainability?

I am super excited to bring a data-driven perspective to an area where economics and finance are often under-explored. While most climate research focuses on environmental sciences, understanding the financial implications of climate action is crucial for developing scalable, economically viable solutions. I have a lot of experience with ESG metrics and corporate governance, which gives me a unique lens into how sustainable finance mechanisms can drive corporate accountability and long-term environmental goals. Through my research, I hope to combine my interests in finance and sustainability to contribute to more effective and impactful climate strategies within corporate organizations.

TOPIC: Imagining the Future of Sustainability in the Virtual World of VR

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Ken Zolot

Based on your academic discipline, what unique perspective do you bring to research about climate and sustainability?

Majoring in Artificial Intelligence and Decision Making, I bring a strong technical and analytical approach to research in climate and sustainability. While pursuing a minor in Environmental and Sustainability Studies, I’ve gained a deep understanding of the complex challenges and potential solutions to climate change. I aim to bridge the gap between scientific information and public engagement by leveraging immersive technologies like VR and AR to create interactive climate communication experiences. My goal is to create a virtual world where you can’t escape the reality of climate change.

TOPIC: Post-Climate Disaster Housing Recovery Toolkit

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Miho Mazereeuw

What are you most excited about for the Scholars Program?

I’m excited to apply my past research and technical skills towards a climate and sustainability oriented goal! Although it has always been a big interest of mine, I never had the opportunity to explore the connection between climate, computer science, and planning and I’m very excited to work on a project that combines all three. Lastly, I’m eager to hear from all of the guest speakers and fellow MCSC scholars about how their work targets different aspects of the climate crisis.

TOPIC: Development of Reaction-Transport Models for Biodegradation that Allow the Quantitative Extraction of Degradation Rates from Clear Zone Assays

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Bradley D. Olsen

What are you most excited about for the Scholars Program?

I’m so excited to get to know my fellow scholars more! It’s been amazing to hear all their projects, perspectives, and stories, and to learn about the different ways you can solve a problem in the climate and sustainability space. From these conversations, I’m looking forward to being able to broaden my understanding of how our different fields connect through our similar motivations, and how I can become a better researcher by understanding other factors that may influence my field either upstream or downstream.

TOPIC: Targeting Food Waste in Schools and Connecting Schools and Universities with Local, Sustainable Food Sources

What are you most excited about for the Scholars Program?

I’m excited for the opportunity to speak with experts in climate and sustainability, understand how they approach the often daunting challenge that is climate research, and learn about new topics beyond my field of study. This program will allow me to conduct impactful research and further develop my creativity and communication skills. Doing research alongside this group of Scholars is truly a unique and special opportunity; I walk out of each class having learned a new idea or perspective, and the enthusiasm of my classmates makes me optimistic for the future and excited to take on new challenges.

TOPIC: In Utero NDMA Exposure and Juvenile Neurological Health: Investigating Genetic Susceptibility and Ethanol’s Influence in an In Vivo model

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Bevin Engelward

What are you most excited about for the Scholars Program?

I am grateful for the opportunity to: (1) Learn from a community of peers dedicated to applying their time, energy, and education toward creating a sustainable and environmentally healthy future; (2) Explore a diverse range of climate and sustainability research approaches and fields through the program’s weekly guest lectures; (3) Engage with the sincere and personalized mentorship offered by the program’s teaching team; (4) Conduct in-depth research at the intersection of my field of study, climate science, and sustainability, while developing skills and independence as a researcher; and (5) Strengthen my commitment to the environment and become more mindful of how I can practice greater environmental respect in my daily life.

TOPIC: Trust-Building Hierarchical Automation: Validating the Transfer of Perovskite Properties Across Scales

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Tonio Buonassisi

Based on your academic discipline, what unique perspective do you bring to research about climate and sustainability?

I’m drawn to the intersection of public policy and mechanical engineering because I want to be a policy-informed engineer and an engineering-informed policymaker. The climate crisis, in particular, highlights the need for this balance. We already have the technology to make a real impact, but policy gaps are holding us back. The biggest challenges aren’t about inventing new solutions but implementing what’s proven to work. That’s where I see myself making a difference—bringing both perspectives together to drive meaningful change.

TOPIC: Developing Carbon-Negative Cementitious Materials via Bioengineering Bacillus subtilis Carbonate Precipitation

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Ariel Furst

What are you most excited about for the scholars program?

I am most excited about the opportunity to work on a research project that aims to advance climate technology. The scholars program will allow me to deepen my understanding of biomanufacturing, environmental policy, and the intersection of public health and sustainability. I am eager to collaborate with experts in the field, gain practical experience in climate-focused research, and contribute to addressing global warming through bioengineering.

TOPIC: Characterizing Distribution Grids and Quantifying The Load Impact of Electrification of Transportation and Home Heating

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Jessika Trancik

What are you most excited about for the scholars program?

I am most excited to learn about sustainability research outside of the energy domain.

TOPIC: Emulating Climate Models with Stochastic Dynamics

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Glenn Flierl

What skills are you hoping to grow through the scholars program?

I hope to learn how to assess what tangible impact I can make with my skills in the statistical modeling of complex physical systems.

TOPIC: Numerical Calculation of MPET Battery Model

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Richard Braatz

What skills are you hoping to grow through the scholars program?

I hope to learn new computing and applied math skills, to better understand control systems for renewable energy technologies such as batteries.

TOPIC: Membrane Crossover Modeling for Electrochemical CO2 Separations

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Fikile Brushett

What are you most excited about for the scholars program?

I am eager to hear directly from experts in climate and sustainability research, allowing me to stay in the know about the most innovative work across the space. I find that it’s easy to get very focused on one specific area within climate and sustainability, particularly based on discipline, so I hope to broaden my understanding of the research environment to be able to contribute in areas outside of my own course of study. I am excited to connect with the other Scholars and learn from their unique approaches to addressing climate and sustainability challenges.

TOPIC: Rapid Assessment Surveys for Invasive Marine Species

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Carolina Bastidas

What are you most excited about for the scholars program?

I’m excited about the opportunity to get better at communicating technical ideas clearly and effectively. As a more technical oriented person, I sometimes find it easier to focus on action rather than explaining the work I’m doing. I believe that being able to convey complex, environmental issues in a way that resonates with others is important, not only to showcase the value of our work but also to foster collaboration. The Scholars Program presents a unique chance for me to grow in this area, ensuring that my ideas and contributions are understood and appreciated in both technical and non-technical contexts.

The MCSC Scholars Program welcomes back students from its 2023-2024 class as teaching assistants.

What are you most excited about for the Scholars Program as a TA? 

As a TA for the Scholars Program, I’m most excited about exposing students to various interdisciplinary approaches to tackling climate change. This program goes beyond just academic exploration to empowering the next generation to apply their skills and passion to real-world challenges, allowing them to find their own paths within such vital work.

As a Scholar myself last year, I found it immensely rewarding to be collaborating in an environment where technology, policy, and sustainable innovation intersect, and I look forward to further learning from the diverse perspectives that this year’s cohort will bring to the table — I’m hopeful that our conversations will be ones that push the boundaries of how we address the climate crisis. Ultimately, I see my role as an opportunity to not only facilitate but also grow alongside this year’s Scholars, gaining new insights into developing sustainable solutions and leveraging our collective strengths to create a more equitable future.

What are you most excited about for the Scholars Program as a TA? 

Last year as part of the Scholars program, I found it valuable to be part of a community of people who care about climate and sustainability and to learn more about different topics in this space as we pursued our research in parallel. I’m excited for this community to grow with this year’s cohort of Scholars and to see which challenges within climate and sustainability they tackle with their research.