Graduation Date: December 2009
Degree(s): M. S. Civil and Environmental Engineering Atmosphere/Energy; B.S. Electrical Engineering (Duke University)

As a summer MAP Fellow with the NRDC in New York City, Danielle worked with the Air & Energy team to promote the increased use of renewable energy in the U.S.'s energy mix. Her work involved projects ranging from economic resource mapping to Smart Grid research. Danielle developed a methodology using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to model the economics of solar and wind energy. This methodology will be used to create a series of maps comparing the cost of renewable fuels to traditional fossil fuel sources. These maps will be used as a tool for advocating the increased use of renewable energy by highlighting cost effectiveness of renewable energy.

In addition, Danielle researched the potential environmental benefits of Smart Grid implementation and how best to achieve these benefits with complimentary policies. The final focus of Danielle's summer Fellowship with the NRDC was researching interconnection and net metering policy best practices, important policies that remove barriers preventing the use of distributed generation. These projects will be utilized by the NRDC in its ongoing mission to curtail global warming and create a clean energy future.

"As part of this internship, I learned both significantly about the topics of my projects and also how an NGO like the NRDC works to accomplish its goals. Not only have I become more knowledgeable about issues I care about, I've learned how rewarding it is to actually work to try to solve the issues."

"Danielle advanced key initiatives and introduced new insight and enthusiasm into our team."