Alumni

2024

Sara Swett – (M.M.P., 2024). Sara is the Marine Renewable Energy & Communities Extension Specialist with Oregon Sea Grant.  Sara’s original master’s research examined local newspapers in New Jersey and national papers using content analysis for their portrayal of whale mortalities and offshore wind power, along with expert opinion analysis to ground truth. Sara also worked on a research project examining issues of recognition, procedural and distributive justice in southern New England non-indigenous communities that arise in the context of offshore wind power development.

2023

John Metz – (M.E.P., 2023). John earned a Master of Energy and Environmental Policy in 2023. He currently works as Energy Policy Analyst with the University of Delaware’s EV Group.

2022

Lily Peterson – (B.E., Environmental Engineering, 2022). Lily graduated from the University of Delaware with an honors bachelor’s degree with distinction in Environmental Engineering, and was also a Eugene du Pont scholar. Her thesis was entitled, “Cost and Policy Options Analysis for Statewide Offshore Wind Procurements.” She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Wind Energy at the Technical University of Denmark based in Lyngby, Denmark. Lily also interned at Special Initiative on Offshore Wind (Newark, DE) and the National Renewable Energy Lab (Golden, CO.).

2021

Samantha (Sam) Bingaman – (M.M.P., 2021).  Sam’s master’s paper examined shifts in attitude toward the Block Island Offshore Wind Power Project from pre-turbine installation to operation. It was a mixed methods study using both survey and interview data. Sam is presently a law student at the University of Maryland and is Editor-in-Chief of the Maryland Law Review.

Hannah-Marie Garcia – (M.M.P., 2021).  Hannah-Marie’s master’s paper evaluated the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) engagement with Indian Nations in its leasing and approval of offshore wind power projects of the east coast of the United States. Hannah-Marie was an Alaska Sea Grant Fellow in 2021-2022, and presently the Indigenous Sentinels Network Coordinator in the Tribal Government of the Aleut Community of Saint Paul Island.

Aaron Russell – (Ph.D., Water, Science and Policy, 2021). Aaron is a Social Scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).  He accepted that position after working as a post-doctoral fellow at Oklahoma State University in its Natural Resources Ecology and Environmental Management Program. Aaron’s doctoral work synthesized distinct social science approaches across energy transition topics. He participated in survey research and analysis on place meanings, wind turbine representations and place consistency of America’s first offshore wind power project, off of Block Island, Rhode Island. His dissertation also includes a policy analysis using the Advocacy Coalition Framework of the federal relicensing of the Conowingo Dam in Maryland.

2019

Ryan Green –  (M.S., Geological Science, 2019) Thesis Title: Finite Element Modeling of a Suction Caisson Subject to Monotonic Tensile Loading. Ryan earned a B.S. in Physics from University of Maryland, Baltimore County in May, 2016. Ryan’s research at UD is focused on the geotechnical and geologic aspects of offshore wind turbine foundation design, specifically using finite element modeling programs  to simulate and predict the soil-structure mechanics of submerged foundations. The finite element model developed through Ryan’s thesis research utilizes a number of specialized techniques in order to accurately simulate the interaction between a suction caisson foundation and the dense sands on which it is founded when subjected to dangerous loads. In addition, a portion of Ryan’s studies is directed towards interpreting geophysical data and sediment laboratory analyses for purposes of offshore wind turbine site selection.

Imelda Foley – (M.E.P., 2019) As a member of UD’s electric vehicle policy team, Imelda worked to create the regulatory pathways that will allow vehicle-to-grid (V2G) to become a commercially successful storage resource. Her work has involved preparing regulatory and legislative proposals as well as public comments on state and FERC proceedings, and forwarding these changes at the state and RTO level. Before joining the electric vehicle group, Imelda worked at a start-up commercializing another new technology: high-temperature, rooftop solar thermal for industrial uses. She received a B.A. in linguistics from Boston College and studied physics at Hunter College of the City of New York. After attaining her master’s degree, Imelda started work as a senior manager for regional energy market policy with the Environmental Defense Fund.

Meghan Rowe – (M.M.P., 2019) Meghan matriculated into M.S., Marine Policy in 2015. She undertook a quantitative study of factors such as existence of renewable portfolio standards and greenhouse gas tradeable permit regimes that lead states to generate renewable energy within their state boundaries. She currently works as a National Outreach Analyst with ICF International, Inc.

2018

Christine Hirt – (M.M.P., 2018). Christine received her B.A. from the Macaulay Honors College at the City University of New York, Hunter College where she studied Environmental Studies (concentration in Earth Science), Public Policy, and Religion. She is currently researching public perceptions of process at the first offshore wind project in the United States off Block Island, Rhode Island. Christine received the UD-DEMEC Graduate Fellowship for Wind Energy Research in 2017. After graduation Christine went to work as an offshore wind power specialist with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, commencing a Knauss Fellowship with NOAA in early 2019.

Lauren Knapp – (Ph.D., Marine Policy, 2018) Lauren’s interests focus on estimating the societal value of coastal energy, transportation, and nature-based infrastructure systems to inform policy tradeoffs. Her main passion involves using indirect, economic mechanisms to value environmental changes. Lauren received her PhD. in 2018.  Lauren is an Economist with the US EPA.

Yang Pan – (Ph.D., Ocean Engineering, 2018) Yang has a BS in Civil Engineering and Ocean Engineering and an MS in Ocean Engineering, all from Tianjin University (China). Yang came to UD having been an ocean engineer in the China Classification Society, where his duties included surveying of offshore platforms and structural calculations. He worked with Dr. Archer on mesoscale simulations of the flow round turbines in the offshore environment, including during hurricanes, and developed the hybrid wind farm parameterization for the WRF model. He is currently working as an ocean engineer for KBR Inc in Houston (Texas).

Chi Yan – (Ph.D., Physical Ocean Science and Engineering, 2018) Chi came to UD with an M.S. in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the University of Michigan after having earned a Bachelor’s degree from Huazhong University of Science & Technology in China. He worked with Dr. Archer on compressible flow simulations and neural networks applications for wind energy. He is currently working as a big data analyst in Mountain View (California).

2017

Elpiniki Apostolaki-Iosifidou – Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, 2017) As RA, Elpiniki carried out the first extensive measurement campaign of power flow and losses during charging and discharging of EVs, published in Energy, 2017. In addition to her academic work, while at CReW, Elpiniki received training and certification to ascend and work inside industrial wind turbines and used that certification in her wind turbine related research on low-voltage ride-through. She also worked as an intern at Siemens-Gamesa Wind Power, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Twitter, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Dr. Apostolaki-Iosifidou served as a postdoctoral scholar at the University of California, Berkeley and is currently a consultant with ENGIE Impact, Brussels.

Richard Bowers – (Ph.D., Marine Policy, 2017) Richard obtained both a Bachelor in Economics and a Masters in the Economics of Policy Analysis from University of Maryland, Baltimore County. His Ph.D. work expanded upon his master’s research and focused on learning by doing effect in U.S. domestic onshore wind operations to better project impacts on future generations. He currently works for the U.S. Energy Information Administration as a Renewable Energy Policy Modeler/Wind Energy Analyst where he serves as the team lead for geothermal, solar, and onshore and offshore wind market growth matters.

Kathleen (Kathy) Harris – (M.M.P., 2017) Kathy studied marine policy under Dr. Kempton. She received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Delaware in May 2013. While an undergraduate, Kathy engaged in a research project on public acceptance of offshore wind with Professor Firestone. After earning her master’s degree, Kathy worked as a Clean Transportation Planner with the Energy and Climate Division of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). She currently leads the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) work on clean vehicle policies and programs that accelerate the transition to zero-emission passenger cars and trucks as the Director of Clean Vehicles.

2016

Alison Bates – (Ph.D., Marine Policy, 2016) Alison is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies at Colby College in Maine. Alison wrote a three essay dissertation exploring, public perceptions of demonstration scale projects, de-conflicting offshore wind and commercial fishing, and a review of effects of offshore wind on marine mammals. Key Challenges of Offshore Wind Power: Three Essays Addressing Public Acceptance, Stakeholder Conflict, and Wildlife Impacts, 2016.

Joseph Brodie – (Ph.D., Physical Ocean Science and Engineering, 2016) Joseph received his Ph.D. in Physical Ocean Science and Engineering, where his dissertation focused on evaluating wake effects from different possible wind farm configurations for the Delaware Wind Energy Area. He also conducted research on grid operation impacts from large scale offshore wind, including the impacts of extreme wind variability events. Dr. Brodie now works as the Director of Atmospheric Research for the Rutgers University Center for Ocean Observing Leadership, focusing on the ongoing development of offshore wind in NJ.

Michelle Burt – (M.M.P., 2016). Michelle is a Management and Program Analyst with NOAA.  For her master’s analytic paper, Michele analyzed the effectiveness of three National Marine Sanctuaries based on semi-structured interviews and program evaluation.

Ali Ponte – (M.S., Geology, 2016) Ali focused on the utilization of geological and geotechnical parameters to provide constraints on the optimal siting of Mid-Atlantic Bight offshore wind projects.  In her thesis, Ali processed and interpreted high-resolution chirp sub-bottom profiling data to develop a model for the subsurface sediment layers within the Maryland Wind Energy Area.  She is currently employed by Heliolytics in Toronto, Canada as a data analyst and report specialist. Her work involves analyzing thermal imagery of renewable energy systems to provide clients with feedback on how they can maximize their energy assets and performance.

Jenna Toussaint – (Ph.D., 2016) Dr. Toussaint’s dissertation focused on the potential impact of offshore wind projects on beach use, including changes in beach visits and economic welfare effects, for parts of the East Coast.  She presently works as a Quantitative Finance Analyst for the Bank of America.

Shengbai Xie – (Ph.D., Ocean Engineering, 2016) Shengbai finished his PhD in Ocean Engineering in 2016. He worked with Dr. Archer on CFD of flow around and between wind turbines and developed the Wind Turbine and Turbulence Simulator (WiTTS). He is working at Convergent Science, Inc. as a Senior Research Engineer.

2015

Lance Noel – (Ph.D., Marine Policy, 2015) Lance has a B.A. in Legal Studies from University of California, Santa Cruz. His research focuses on V2G capable electric vehicles, especially fleet vehicles, environmental and wildlife impacts of electricity production and the associated public trust doctrine implications, and modeling of large scale renewable penetration. In 2015, Lance commenced a post-doc in the Center for Energy Technologies, Aarhus University, Denmark under the guidance of Benjamin Sovacool. Lance is now a Senior Research Analyst at the Center for Sustainable Energy in San Diego.

Heather Thompson – (Ph.D., Marine Policy, 2015) has an M.S. in Oceanography and an MPSA in Public Service and Administration from Texas A&M University. Heather is Ph.D. candidate and is studying the comparative economic and environmental impacts and amenity/disamenity values associated with the UD wind turbine and with a coal-fired power plant. Heather works for the Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Coalition (MAREC).

2014

Dawn Kurtz Crompton – (M.M.P., 2014). Her master’s analytic paper focused on offshore wind power, the dormant Commerce Clause, and the GATT. Dawn came to UD after having earned a law degree from Widener. While in the master’s program, Dawn also worked as a Law Clerk in the Governor Jack Markell’s office.  Dawn worked in private law practice, and as Assistant General Counsel for Delmarva Power and Light (DPL PHI/Exelon) and now works there as a Senior Manager.

Regina McCormack – (M.M.P., 2014). Regina’s master’s research focused on the value of water used and consumed and the fish impinged and entrained by thermal power plants on the Delaware River and considered the benefit that would arise if they were replaced with offshore wind power. The European Wind Energy Association acknowledged her work as a best student poster at the 2013 Offshore Wind Conference. Regina is now a Senior Research Analyst at the Center for Sustainable Energy in San Diego.

Niki Suto deLeon – (M.E.P., 2014) Niki earned a B.S. in Energy & Environmental Policy – Science & Technology from the University of Delaware in 2011. At UD, Niki was founder and chair of the Newark Bike Project and an energy auditor in addition to her work as a research assistant on the eV2g project. She is now working for Tesla Motors with the Supercharging team, working on charging for the Semi all-electric tractor-trailer.

2013

Andrew Levitt – (M.M.P., 2013). Andrew received his MMP in January 2013, with an analytical paper on pricing offshore wind power, published in the journal Energy Policy. That paper grew out of the UD-NREL Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA). After graduation, Mr. Levitt was project manager for the eV2g collaborative between NRG Energy and University of Delaware. He is presently a Senior Market Strategist for PJM Interconnection.

Nathaniel Pearre – (Ph.D., Transportation Electrification/V2G, 2013) Nathanial graduated with a PhD in 2013 after successfully defending his dissertation on vehicle driving patterns and what they mean for the time-dependent grid load and grid storage resource that private vehicles could represent. He is now a Research Engineer with the Renewable Energy Storage Lab at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Kateryna (Katya) Samoteskul – (M.M.P./M.E.P., 2013). Katya master’s thesis evaluated the costs and benefits of shifting the commercial ships farther out to sea in the mid-Atlantic to open near-shore areas to offshore wind energy development. The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) awarded Katya Best Student Paper at its 2013 offshore wind conference. An article based on her thesis was published in the Journal of Environmental Management. She is now Senior Manager for Offshore Development for the energy developer, Invenergy in Chicago.

Blaise Sheridan – (M.M.P., 2013). Blaise’s thesis investigated the comparative private and social costs of alternative means of electricity generation. His first employment, which began while he was writing his thesis, was as a policy associate with the Energy & Climate Program at the Environmental & Energy Study Institute in Washington, DC. Blaise worked as a Legislative Aid and Legislative Assistant for four and a half years and now is on the Professional Staff on the United States Senate Committee on Appropriations.

Bruce Williams – (M.M.P., 2013) came to UD after a seventeen-year career with the LA District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Bruce’s master’s research focused on new applications of remote sensing technology for offshore wind power. Bruce worked as a faculty researcher in Atmospheric Physics at University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), helping to support development of the Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Area. He presently works as a Wind Energy Consultant, including providing services to Deepwater Wind (now owned by Orsted).

2012

DeAnna Sewell – (M.S., Physical Ocean Science and Engineering, 2012). Deanna, who studied in UD’s Physical Ocean Science and Engineering program, graduated with a Master’s of Science in Marine Studies. Deanna is now pursuing a PhD in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Colorado at Boulder. She is also a research participant with the NREL National Wind Technology Center in the offshore wind and waterpower group.

2011

Scott Baker – (M.M.P., 2011) focused on estimating the offshore wind power potential in the Atlantic Ocean area adjacent to state areas with PJM Interconnection. In January 2011, Scott began working for PJM as a business solutions analyst in the Applied Solutions Department. Scott now works for PJM as a Senior Business Solutions Analyst & Lead for the PJM Advanced Technology Pilot Program.

2010

Meredith Blaydes Lilley – (Ph.D., Marine Studies/Renewable Energy Policy, 2010). Dr. Blaydes Lilley’s PhD dissertation examined wind power and migratory birds, offshore wind power and coastal tourism, and climate change perceptions. Meredith was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Hawai‘i, examining Pacific region climate change impacts and adaptation responses. Meredith next worked analyst at the US Governmental Accountability Office (GAO) and presently is a Renewable Energy Program Specialist with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), where among other responsibilities she is the Project Coordinator for the Vineyard Wind Project.

Amardeep Dhanju – (Ph.D., Marine Policy, 2010). Dr. Dhanju’s dissertation was a series of four essays of on offshore wind power that touched on resource assessment, the role public power authorities could play in offshore wind power development, and a regulatory framework for offshore wind. Amardeep was awarded a Knauss Fellow where he served as the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) coastal marine spatial plan strategic coordinator. He is a Senior Policy Analyst in BOEM Environmental Studies Program and an Adjunct Professor, Johns Hopkins University, Energy Policy and Climate program.

Jonathan Lilley – (Ph.D., Marine Policy, 2010). Dr. Lilley graduated with a Ph.D. in Marine Studies where his dissertation focused on ocean values and perceptions of offshore wind power and offshore oil and gas drilling. Jon was a Knauss Fellow at NOAA while pursuing his PhD. Jon was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa, investigating public attitudes regarding the use of deep, cold ocean water for air conditioning as an alternative to fossil fuels. Jon then served as a post-doctoral fellow at the Potsdam Institute of Climate Impact Research in Germany.  Dr. Lilley is a program analyst in the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) Environmental Sciences Division

Jacqueline Piero – (M.M.P., 2010). Jacqueline studied the motivations for and effects of citizen participation on the state of Delaware’s 2008 energy policy decision that resulted in the first offshore wind power purchase agreement in the United States. While serving as a research assistant, she also worked on policy aspects of V2G. She now consults for companies in the electric vehicle industry.

2008

Andrew Krueger – (Ph.D., 2008). Dr. Krueger’s dissertation focused the visual disamenties associated with offshore wind turbines. After receipt of his PhD. Andy was one of the first BOEM hires in its new Alternative Energy Leasing Program. Andy has been at BOEM since, other than a stint where he pursued a dream to be a police officer, proudly serving in Albany, Georgia. While at BOEM, Andy previously served as the Cape Wind project manager and presently is Acting Chief, Leasing Management and Policy Division. During his BOEM tenure he also undertook a detail at the US Department of Energy, where he worked on oil and gas issues.

2005

Christina Christensen (formerly Jarvis) – (M.M.P., 2005). Christina was first student to earn a degree focused on offshore wind energy. She evaluated the wildlife impacts of offshore wind power development relative to those from fossil fuel power production. Christina works for the US EPA in its Standards and Health Protection Division, Office of Science and Technology.