The urgent global demand for sustainable and equitable energy solutions positions the energy sector as one of the most dynamic today. Each Winterim, the Irving Institute and the Tuck School of Business collaborate to host TuckLAB: Energy, equipping undergraduates with the skills to meet this demand. Early in December, 25 students from diverse disciplines gathered for an intensive introduction to the socio-technical landscape of energy, learning key principles crucial for leading energy transitions across societal sectors.
Aidan Muller '27, a Government major and Environmental Studies Minor, found the program reinforced a fundamental understanding: "Energy is connected to everything we do. This program enforced my understanding that energy is an all-encompassing thing with the most abundance of opportunities. It underpins everything."
Jonathan Silverthorne D'08, Director of the Revers Center for Energy, Sustainability & Innovation, led modules focusing on clean energy development and supply chains.
These insights underscore the program's success in showing students that energy transitions are not just a scientific or economic challenge, but a societal one, requiring talent and dedication from every discipline. It achieves this through a wide-ranging curriculum covering technology, finance, justice, policy, communication, and leadership. Students explore how dynamic energy systems are influenced by climate change, emerging low-carbon technologies, and the recognition of existing inequities. The program responds to the necessity for professionals who grasp the significance of energy access and affordability and are ready to navigate these complexities.
With a curriculum delivered through interactive sessions with leading faculty and practitioners, students rigorously explore core energy concepts. The program includes "fireside chats" about business model innovation, the climate-energy nexus, energy justice, policy, and financing the clean energy economy. These foundational insights are applied in the "Interactive Team Project: Energy Transitions Solutions," where students tackle real-world challenges and present their creative solutions for expert feedback, honing critical thinking and presentation skills.
Tyler Brown '26, a premed student, expressed surprise at the energy sector's vast career options: "I expected conversations about energy stewardship. I loved discovering such a wide range of career opportunities." For Erica Moon '29, the program offered clarity in her academic and career path. "Before TuckLAB: Energy, I debated between pursuing an Economics or an Engineering degree. Now I plan to do both," she shared.
Rie Kitara '27, an exchange student majoring in Government and Economics, found the practical insights invaluable. Having participated in the Irving Institute's Electricity Grids and Markets bootcamp, Rie was already drawn to the energy sector. She noted that "there are many ways to get involved. Before, I was thinking about working for a think tank or government. Now I see more pathways available and might pursue another degree. Talking to the field experts was incredibly helpful," highlighting the program's emphasis on real-world applicability and diverse career trajectories.
Everett Rattray '26, an Environmental Studies major who came to TuckLAB: Energy with no prior background, remarked, "I have learned so much. It's such a great industry to be in, career-wise, and for making actual strides toward helping the climate crisis. Now, I am more interested in higher education—possibly the MET [Master of Energy Transition] or other similar programs. The experience shifted my career aspirations and opened my eyes to the amazing opportunities in the energy sector."
Beyond formal lectures, students engaged directly with leading experts and received career guidance from the Dartmouth Alumni Career Panel. Alumni Dr. Chelsea Petrenko GR'15, Evelyn Hatem '24, and Jordan Swett '19, TU'25, offered valuable mentorship and networking opportunities for the undergraduates.
Reflecting on their TuckLAB: Energy experience, students highlighted the quality of the instruction. Everett praised the "diverse and impressive instructors," noting, "It's like a celebrity line up," and Aidan highlighted faculty dedication: "Megan and Amanda are so invested in you getting something out of the program."
The success of TuckLAB: Energy stems from the faculty's dedication, expertise, and commitment to mentoring future energy leaders. A sincere thanks to the TuckLAB: Energy faculty:
- Melody Brown Burkins, PhD, Director, Institute of Arctic Studies
- Christa Daniels, PhD, Resident Scholar at the Irving Institute and Lecturer at the Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies at Dartmouth
- Charlie Donovan, Clinical Professor at Tuck School of Business and principal economist at Impax Asset Management
- Amanda Graham, PhD, Academic and MET Program Director at the Irving Institute
- Megan Litwhiler, PhD, Assistant Director of Academic Programs at the Irving Institute
- Justin Mankin, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Geography
- Shalaya Morissette, Founder of Chiftess Consulting Group
- Erich Osterberg, PhD, Professor of Earth Sciences at Dartmouth
- Morgan Peach, PhD, Lecturer in Environmental Studies at Dartmouth
- Curtis Probst, CEO of NYCEEC
- Jonathan Silverthorne D'08, Director of the Revers Center for Energy, Sustainability & Innovation