Graduation Date: September 2011
Degree(s): MSc Water Science, Policy and Management (University of Oxford); B.S. Earth Systems: Ocean Track
During her three months with the Border Green Energy Team (BGET), Antonia worked helped install a biosand water filter to provide clean water for 40 students in Umpiem, a refugee camp. Antonia also helped write a business plan for the for-profit venture, SunSawang, that BGET is launching.
Additionally, Antonia co-designed the market research strategy for SunSawang’s first tier solar products. She found executing market research and administering the questionnaire to a rural Thai village very interesting and was excited to see how individuals interacted with the solar products. Antonia’s experiences in Mae Sot and working for BGET allowed her to see how small NGOs operate and learn about the history of solar energy in Thailand.
“I learned a significant amount about how solar energy has been developed in Thailand. I also really enjoyed learning about the cultural difficulties that solar energy development has faced in the past and will have to overcome in order to be successful in the future. Additionally, I got to learn how small non-governmental organizations operate and fund their projects. “
Antonia Sohns
“We are setting up sustainable living and learning center and solar social venture. Therefore, Antonia’s work will be carried on toward our organization’s goals.”
Salinee Tavaranan, Director
Border Green Energy Team