Summer 2024 Fellow: Jeanette Zhou, ‘26, Materials Science and Engineering
Learn more about Jeanette’s experience:
This fellowship is part of a partnership between Stanford in Government, the Precourt Institute for Energy, and the Bill Lane Center for the American West. If you are accepted as a fellow for this office, you will be required to complete a one-unit course on energy in California taught by Professor Bruce Cain and Visiting Fellow Felcia Marcus.
All Shultz fellows must be enrolled in the spring quarter before their fellowship.
Organization/Agency mission or role in state government:
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is charged with protecting the public from the harmful effects of air pollution and developing programs and actions to fight climate change. CARB’s mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. CARB is the lead agency for climate change programs and oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health-based air quality standards. CARB leads by driving innovative solutions to improve public health and the environment. From requirements for clean cars and fuels to adopting innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, California has pioneered a range of effective approaches that have set the standard for effective air and climate programs for the nation and the world.
Potential Projects:
Based on their interests and skills, the selected fellow will have the opportunity to select one of the two projects below in consultation with their mentor at CARB. The selected student will also spend 5-10% of their time, attending relevant meetings with stakeholders and taking notes for Chair Liane Randolph.
- Support the Freight Technology Advancement Branch (FTAB), in the Transportation and Toxics Division, with analyzing the adoption of zero emission drayage trucks and identifying the challenges. Assist FTAB by performing a comprehensive analysis on the drayage fleet, zero emission equipment market penetration, and predictive analytics. The analysis will utilize various CARB data and DMV data.
- Support the Freight Technology Advancement Branch (FTAB), in the Transportation and Toxics Division, by analyzing strengths and weaknesses of hydrogen in the rail sector with focus on how different hydrogen production pathways affect overall efficiency. Review, examine, analyze, and discuss how, when, and why hydrogen might be the best option for niche rail operations in California.
Desired Skills:
- Basic understanding of California’s efforts for clean air and climate change protection and the role of public policy
- General knowledge of environmental management and of CARB and its function in the context of regulatory policy and setting emission standards for vehicles, engines, and equipment
- Strong communication skills (both written and oral)
- A demonstrated desire to work in a team environment and to learn from seasoned, expert practitioners and creators of internationally-recognized environmental policies for mobile sources
- A major in engineering, the physical sciences, and/or public policy is an applicable background for this fellowship.
Work Environment
It is anticipated that this fellowship opportunity will be hybrid (in-person and remote). The California Air Resources Board is located in Sacramento, CA.
Please note that the anticipated work environment is subject to change.
Eligibility
This fellowship is open to undergraduate students.
Potential Mentor
- Ajay Mangat, Chief, Freight Technology Advancement Branch
Stipend amount
$7,500-$9,500