UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS)

UCLA

(he/him) Policy Analyst specializing in renewable…

I work in the Business and Economics team on economic analysis of the transition to zero carbon emissions in shipping.

Leading the 'Countdown to FuelEU Newsletter' series with insights on how the FuelEU creates a business case for green shipping.

Lead author of 'Transatlantic Testing Ground' report looking at the impacts of EU and US policy on alternative fuel costs.

Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping

Market Analyst

I built a model in Google Earth Engine and PyQGIS that aggregates techno-economic and environmental exclusions to identify suitable areas for solar and wind (on and offshore) within the European Economic Zone. The result is a district-level annual renewable generation capacity for 37 European countries that is part of an energy-system model of decarbonization for the region.

Montara Mountain Energy

Geospatial Consultant

As part of the Regional Decarbonization Framework for the County of San Diego I was the lead author for the chapters on renewable energy siting and overall policy considerations.
- I produced a spatial analysis using QGIS of the suitable areas for wind and solar siting within the County to achieve 100% renewable electricity production factoring various techno-economic and environmental constraints. I analyzed alternative scenarios including the import of electricity and site selection under a range of policy constraints. 
-The policy chapter authored with David Victor and Gordon McCord proposes an institutional framework for the County government to increase coordination and collaboration on region-wide decarbonization efforts.

SDG Policy Initiative

Consultant

Worked collaboratively with a team of six graduate students on an analysis of decarbonization strategies for existing LNG assets with a special focus on Carbon Capture and Storage Technologies. In addition to near-term mitigation strategies, we identified long-term CO2 management opportunities for industrial clusters in California. We presented our findings to executive management and compiled a detailed report that included a cost model, spatial analysis, and LNG market analysis based on interviews, industry reports, and market research.

Sempra Energy

Graduate Consultant: Carbon Capture and Storage

I worked with a research group studying the co-benefits of agroforestry, a natural climate solution pathway for smallholder farmers. I was the lead author on a policy review paper that analyzed entry points for non-state actors to address market failures. The paper was published in Forest Policy and Economics in June 2021.

The Nature Conservancy

Research Intern

- I was the first hire for a new research center at the School of Global Policy and Strategy, the SDG Policy Initiative. I was responsible for communications and overseeing a wide range of projects involving stakeholders at all levels to ensure consistency, and timely execution of tasks.
- I led an effort to partner with a regional transportation agency to align data reporting with the SDGs, currently in development. 
- I authored executive summaries and was a reviewer for the US Zero Carbon Action Plan. 
- I supported the early stages of the San Diego Regional Decarbonization Framework with case studies and reports. I was put on the policy and electric sectors teams for the development of the first decarbonization modeling effort at the regional level in the US.

Project Coordinator

-Launched the second location of a successful family-owned restaurant with a 47% increase in sales in the first two years.
-Modernized point of sale, marketing and employee management systems in a 25 year old cash business including implementation of credit card systems which increased average purchase size by 35%.

Kono's Cafe Inc.

Managing Partner

Various Theaters

Actor

I worked to strengthen and develop the business of existing accounts.
-	Negotiated annual renewal for a term based software license:
-	Collaborated on and execute an account strategy with the Regional Sales Manager.
-	Upgraded software and address the customer’s technical and contractual concerns.
-	Proposed new license to renewing customers that may include additional coverage, new products, and/or new license types.
-	Worked with procurement to collect all necessary documents to process the renewal on or before the renewal date.
-	Organized renewal data using Salesforce and Excel for weekly forecasts, quarterly audits and ad-hoc requests from finance.
-	Executed the Customer Success Program which manages customer satisfaction with the allocation of technical resources and regular check-ins starting 30 days from date of initial purchase through their first renewal. 
-	Trained one new hire to perform all tasks mentioned above.

Joe Bettles