Meet the Forum Team: Lauren Zhuang

What sparked your initial interest in clean energy and writing for the Forum?  

I'm currently pursuing my Master's in Asset Management program, and I did my undergrad at the University of Toronto Rotman Commerce. I specialized in finance and economics, and I also did a minor in environmental economics. I'm very excited about writing for the Forum because it sits at the heart of translating the evolving landscape of renewable energy finance and energy efficiency into stories that resonate with a broader audience. The Forum also plays a really important role in advancing understanding and innovation in U.S. clean energy markets with its newsletter, original feature articles, webinars, and also expert conversations that educate and inspire a diverse audience. 

As someone who is really passionate about both climate solutions and also clear communication, this role offers a really unique platform for me to bridge complex concepts with real-world dialogue. I'm also drawn to how the Forum trains students to become trusted storytellers in clean energy, while amplifying the industry developments to readers across the academia, policy, and business. 

During my undergrad I wrote a research paper analyzing the adoption of small modular reactors (SMR) in commercial electricity generation in the U.S. These small nuclear stations provide innovative, decentralized, clean energy. I explored the feasibility and conducted some financial analysis around SMR’s adoption to generate electricity for large data centers.  

What brings you to your academic program at Yale? 

I'm drawn to Yale University, especially Yale School of Management (SOM), because of the goal to educate leaders for business and society. I really want to contribute to something that is more impactful through this role and while studying at SOM. 

Given your program is only one year long, what are you hoping to do after? 

I'm thinking about working in the investment management industry. If I have the opportunity, I would be happy to work within ESG investing, fixed incomes, or equities within that realm. 

What's the story you're excited about writing this year? 

I actually have a few ideas in mind! I'm interested in writing more about project finance- building a self-contained business around a specific energy project. How instead of relying on the company's overall balance sheet, the project's expected revenues from electricity sales pay for its construction and operations. This really allows developers to raise capital for renewable energy projects without taking on excessive risk. It's a great way to, for example, fund a solar farm or wind project, where the project itself is responsible for paying back investors, rather than the company behind it. I'm pretty interested in this subsector- how the concept operates, how it is helping to launch more innovative clean energy projects, and how this model can support more projects. 

Tell us more about your time before Yale. What is your experience coming from Canada to the U.S.? 

I actually came to Yale for my master's degree right out of undergrad. When I was an undergrad I interned at Omer's Capital Markets as a summer financial analyst, supporting the global equities, Global Credit, and global multi-asset strategies departments. And previously, I also interned at CIBC Wealth Management working on investment portfolios and execution for our clients. I passed CFAs Level 1 and 2, a charter financial analyst designation, during my undergrad. I saw in my internships that, in particular right now, there are more quantitative aspects that are important within the financial services and asset management industry. I found this program at Yale really targets that space. So, I decided to come here and pursue this master's degree. 

What in the New Haven area are you excited to explore, taste, or do? 

I previously lived in Toronto for a long time, and the winter is really cold there. Transitioning to New Haven, it’s a city with a different vibe from Toronto. In Toronto there are a lot of skyscrapers. Sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming, living in a city that's a smaller version of New York.  

In New Haven, I’ve found it’s more peaceful and people here are also very friendly. It's not a city that is super large in terms of scale, but I think there are great restaurants, great bars to visit, and also East Rock Park. I'm really excited to explore different places where we can go for a hike or outdoor activities. I haven't explored a lot right now, but I’m excited to soon!