Polsky Research Fellows

“This internship gave me practical experience applying cutting-edge AI methods to pressing problems in climate science, strengthening my ability to work at the intersection of computation and Earth systems. The mentorship, collaboration, and exposure to interdisciplinary research will guide my future path as I seek to contribute both technical innovation and scientific insight to climate modeling, prediction, and sustainable solutions.”

“This internship gave me hands-on experience with the kind of quantitative analysis that underpins decision-making in the climate and energy space. By working with electricity prices, water usage, weather patterns, and other infrastructure data, I learned how to assess the tradeoffs that shape where and how large energy users like data centers are built.”

“I was exposed to a whole world of academic study focused on climate and environment as it relates to art, literature, and humanistic study. As someone deeply embedded in the humanities, I am excited to explore the possibilities of fighting for the climate using the skills I have developed.”

“In the past, I’ve largely seen computing as something that acts in opposition to climate efforts, given its reliance on energy and material resources. This internship helped me reframe that perspective by showing how thoughtful computing can actually be a force for sustainability.”

“I learned many new laboratory skills, but outside of the lab I also learned more about community development projects from the Plant tour, I learned more about how energy companies create and use power from the Grand Ridge tour, and I learned from the lunch and learns about environmental changes both at UChicago and globally.”