Recruiting PhD students

I am looking for PhD students passionate about using their technical skills to help improve public decision making regarding the energy system and the environment. I am particularly interested in recruiting individuals with a strong background in operations research, decision theory, statistics, or engineering, willing to tackle challenging questions regarding the technical, economical, and regulatory aspects of new electricity generation technologies.

Why Duke?

Duke is a truly interdisciplinary place with all the pieces necessary to do exciting research to influence Policy making on energy and climate. The conundrum of meeting the energy needs of this planet minimizing the risk to our natural environment and the welfare of future generations requires insights from many fields including economics, public policy, law, engineering, and environmental science. At Duke each of these fields is represented by an enthusiastic group of faculty, students and staff willing to work together. Our Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions intends to bridge the gap between academic research and policy making, employing a nice group of modelers, and policy and legal analysts doing research on the policy and technical aspects of low-carbon electricity generation, transportation, regulation, and ecosystem services.

Our research group is affiliated to the Center for Energy and Climate Decision Making and Mistra's Climate Policy Research Program.

Application.  It is never too early to start your application process. If you think you would like me to sponsor your application please send me your CV, a statement of purpose, and a list of the classes you have taken. Also send a phone number and time to contact you.

Admission.  Individual faculty members can make recommendations, but cannot determine which student to admit. All students are admitted through the Nicholas School PhD Admissions committee, or through the UPEP admissions committee (if interested in emphasizing your formation in economics or public policy).

Financial support.  Every PhD student receives a monthly stipend, which is sufficient to cover all expenses to study and live in Durham.  Depending on your background and departmental needs you may be awarded a Fellowship, which requires no service, a Teaching Assistantship or a Research Assistantship. In addition to those awards available through the university, applicants are encouraged to compete for other awards available for graduate study from a variety of federal and private sources.

Your program of study.  If you present your application to the Nicholas School and I become your advisor, you and I will work together to define a program of study specifically suitable to your interests and goals. If you choose to present your application through UPEP you will take the courses required.