The summer internship with Switchbox (formerly Win Climate) was an incredible learning experience that complemented well my study in the interdisciplinary field encompassing computer science and public policy. Over the span of 10 weeks, I got exposure to various aspects of policy advocacy in the climate sector, partaking in energy working groups to discuss electric rates reform, briefing calls that cover statewide climate actions and bills, as well as advocacy groups meetings that help shape energy policies in New York State. I also took on two data science projects to write reports on NYSERDA’s equity benchmarks and energy efficiency programs.
As a side project, the team of interns and I collaborated with the organization’s partner to work on an open-sourced project to encode Illinois’s climate programs into their macro policy impact tool. The internship not only allows me to learn the nuts and bolts of the energy policy landscape, but also helps me gain valuable insights into navigating the space. Additionally, I came to understand how data science could be used for public good by delivering the work, at the same time recognizing the knowledge and skill gap that I could build in the second year of my Master program.