Planetary Solutions in Clean Energy Fellow Feature: Tom Commander

The Yale Center for Business and the Environment (CBEY)'s Planetary Solutions in Clean Energy Fellowship matches 10 undergraduate and graduate students with non-profit, low-profit, and governmental organizations committed to energy equity and the deployment of clean energy into low- and middle-income communities. The program provides summer research and internship opportunities to students at Yale who are committed to advancing energy equity and pursuing a career in the clean energy field. Through this fellowship, Thomas, a rising junior at Yale College majoring in Environmental Studies with a certificate in Global Health, interns at EED Advisory. EED Advisory is a pan-African consulting firm working with nonprofit and government partners to bring clean energy, clean water, and sustainable practices to the continent.

 

Who are you?

 

I am a rising junior at Yale from Jacksonville, Florida, majoring in Environmental Studies with a certificate in Global Health. My interests run the gamut of Environmental Studies, but I am most excited by topics involving environmental economics, sustainable development, natural resource management, and environmental health. Outside of academics, I like to spend as much time as possible outside. I am a member of Yale's varsity sailing team in addition to being an avid hiker and runner.

 

What initially drew you to the PSICE fellowship and your summer organization? What excited you most about working with them this summer?

 

I initially applied to the PSiCE fellowship because of the extensive support offered to the fellows in addition to the incredible opportunity to work with a firm that aligns so closely to my interests. EED Advisory seemed like an incredible opportunity to me because of the depth that the firm has in the development sector in sub-Saharan Africa. They are leaders in the clean cooking sector which intersects with so many of my interests.

 

Can you share what your main responsibilities or projects are during your fellowship? What does a typical day look like for you?

 

I was integrated into the EED Advisory team really quickly and worked as an analyst on five different projects. This typically involved organizing Key Informant Interviews, conducting critical analyses, and communicating results to clients. No two days working for EED looked the same, but they usually involved a good mix of client calls, internal team meetings, and desk work.

 

What’s something you’ve learned so far this summer that has surprised or inspired you about your work?

 

While I have long been interested in carbon markets and climate finance, the opportunity to work directly in this field this summer has further deepened my belief in the potential for climate finance mechanisms to drive effective climate and sustainability work across the globe.

 

Looking ahead, how do you see this experience influencing your academic or career path? Has it shifted or affirmed any of your goals?

 

I am extremely grateful for the flexibility and breadth of the Environmental Studies major and the incredible course offerings at YSE. Coming off of my experience at EED, I want to pursue courses and research that can deepen my knowledge in the areas of environmental economics and development.