Why SEAS?
For Ritvik Jain (MS ’23), choosing a graduate program came down to surrounding himself with people who cared deeply about sustainability as well as a place that would offer interdisciplinary courses and enable him to do research that addresses big challenges. He found that at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), where he specialized in Sustainable Systems. “Even though I focused on the systems side, I was able to take courses on topics like environmental policy, politics and energy justice,” says Jain. “I wanted an opportunity to create positive change and be a part of a community that had shared interests. SEAS offered me all of that and even more. That is what ultimately drew me here. I came to SEAS not really sure about what to do: I ended up doing all that I could. I could not have had it any better.”

Jain’s research at the Asset Lab focuses on the nexus of climate and energy systems. Specifically, he looks at how changes in weather conditions over the next four decades would impact energy needs for households across the United States. To achieve this, he is developing a modeling framework that has the ability to capture elements of climate change and energy systems in tandem. “Ultimately, the goal is to understand how climate change will impact energy demands and energy burdens across the U.S. residential sector, and how these impacts will vary across space, time, and socioeconomic statuses,” says Jain.

What’s next?
Although Jain had considered pursuing a PhD at SEAS, he decided instead that it was time to join the industry. He will be working as a Climate and Energy Systems Consultant at Energy and Environmental Economics, Inc (E3) in San Francisco. In this role, he expects to work on systems planning strategies for decarbonization and clean electrification goals for state agencies and electric utilities. 

Reflecting on the experience of attending SEAS
Jain says that there are two courses at SEAS, in particular, that were especially impactful on his career path. The first is Renewable Electricity and the Grid taught by Michael Craig. Jain says that the course and the ability to work with Craig have been hugely influential in his work. “A lot of what I have done for my research so far and what I plan to do in my job in the future, I have learned through this course and my work with Prof. Craig,” says Jain. The second course is Negotiation and Mediation Skills with Steve Yaffee. Jain says that this course was an unexpected joy; something he didn’t know he needed until he took it. “I do not think any course compares to this one in terms of structure, delivery and hands-on learning,” says Jain. “I learned to better communicate in everyday life and negotiate through incredibly tricky situations.” Jain says that what he learned in this course even helped him negotiate a better offer for his job. 

Jain says that, overall, there have been many life skills he has acquired during his time at SEAS, including learning the value of asking for help. “The people and community here have made me realize that there is actually a whole lot that I can accomplish if only I got past the overwhelming ordeal of asking for it. I’ve learned to ask for help, support, questions, and advice without any inhibitions. It has made all the difference,” says Jain. 

In addition, he says that he is leaving SEAS with renewed optimism. “Being at SEAS has made me optimistic and very hopeful about our future. There is so much happening. Every person you meet here is involved in something different, doing something unique, and there are lots of brilliant people trying to solve incredibly difficult problems. I've seen so much collective growth here, and I am excited to see what it all leads up to,” says Jain.