UMass Amherst Energy Transition Institute Features Prominently at Climatech 2024

Zoe Getman-Pickering, program coordinator for the UMass Energy Transition Institute ELEVATE program, moderated a panel on “Fueling a Global Energy Transition” and ELEVATE students participated in an expo booth at Boston’s inaugural ClimaTech 2024 conference held June 3-5.

ClimaTech 2024, hosted by Gov. Maura Healy and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, brought together clean energy and technology experts from around the world to push forward climate solutions. The conference featured sessions, panel discussions, presentations and expo booths held at nearby Fenway Park venues, including MGM Music Hall Fenway and Citizen’s House of Blues.

Getman-Pickering was part of a panel comprised of leaders from four clean energy firms, including James Walker, chief executive officer of NanoNuclear Energy, Zai Ashai, chief executive officer of Nexamp Solar, Carrie Hitt, senior director at Vineyard Offshore, and Justin Trudell, chief executive officer of FirstLight. The group discussed green energy workforce development, equity in energy siting and the technological and policy changes needed to keep Massachusetts at the forefront of the energy transition.

UMass Amherst was also represented by ELEVATE students at a booth where they built connections with fellow academic institutions, green energy startups and local energy justice leaders.

ELEVATE, part of the Energy Transition Institute, is an interdisciplinary doctoral program that brings together students across campus and disciplines to collaborate on research around energy and equity.