About

I'm a scholar of China's electrical system, with a particular interest in environmental and social impacts of large-scale hydropower, as well as the challenges and potential of renewables integration. I am thrilled to take on the directorship of the Institute for Energy Studies, where I look forward to helping prepare students for leadership roles in the energy transition.

Prior to joining Western, I taught courses on energy, garbage, and industrial impacts in East Asia as a professor of environmental studies at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York. I also led study abroad programs in Australia, China, and Mongolia.

I completed my BS and BA in mathematics and French at Louisiana State University, along with my MA and PhD in China Studies and Geography at the University of Washington.

Research Interests

Renewables integration, efficiency, hydropower, Chinese power sector