Courtney S
- Research Program Mentor

MPA at Cornell University

Expertise

Business, Environmental Policy, Writing, Editing, Arts, Sustainability, Renewables

Bio

Courtney is a climate policy professional with extensive experience at the intersection of climate science and public decision-making. As Manager of Climate Analysis at the U.S. Climate Alliance, she collaborates with state governments, federal agencies, universities, and nonprofit organizations to support the development of evidence-based climate policies, improve greenhouse gas accounting, and strengthen climate data systems across the United States. Courtney earned a Master of Public Administration in Environmental Policy from Cornell University, where she served as Senior Editor of the Cornell Policy Review, worked as a graduate teaching assistant, and conducted interdisciplinary policy research. These experiences strengthened her skills in research design, academic writing, and communicating complex ideas to diverse audiences. As a mentor, Courtney has guided more than 80 students through independent research projects on renewable energy, climate policy, sustainability, and environmental justice. She enjoys helping students transform broad interests into compelling research questions, develop strong analytical and writing skills, and confidently present their work. Whether a student is simply exploring the research process or preparing for competitive college applications, Courtney is committed to creating a supportive, collaborative mentoring experience that builds both research skills and confidence.

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Review Paper: Electrifying Transportation

How do we incentivize municipalities and residents to invest in electric transportation? This project will look into the infrastructural improvements, marketing, financial tools, and partnerships necessary to incentivize and implement electrification of public and private transportation.

Movement that Starts Movements

Can art be a catalyst for change? This project will look into the historical influence of art on social change.

Review Paper: The Economics of Climate Change

An in-depth look at current economic models and how they contribute to excessive industry emissions, and suggestions on how to revise them to fit the changing environmental and financial climate.

Review Paper: Catalyzing the Energy Transition

This project will review energy demands, our reliance upon non-renewable vs. renewable energy options, the increasing need to transition away from fossil fuels, and the barriers we must overcome to be successful.

Teaching experience

In addition to mentoring many students across various programmatic offerings, Courtney has over ten years of experience teaching competitive and recreational dance to students aged 8-18 with skill levels ranging from beginner to pre-professional.