Graduation date: 01/06
Degree(s): B.S., Civil and Environmental Engineering (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and M.S. and Ph.D., Civil and Environmental Engineering

Shing worked on a variety of projects. The first was based in Russia where she investigated the carbon savings that would be achieved in converting a portfolio of district heating plants from fuel oil or coal-burning to biomass-burning. Her calculation of baseline carbon emissions was used to find the financial market available for the resulting carbon savings.

Water systems are often designed for either domestic or agricultural uses, and not as an integrated system. Once water is brought to a community, however, it is used for purposes other than the intended set of uses. Shing traveled to rural Mali to determine the different sources of water for different uses, and to quantify the water use and energy (i.e., wood) use, as these numbers are largely unknown.

Finally, Shing was involved in an on-going project examining the biomass removal potential in the Mendocino National Forest. Biomass removal reduces forest fire risk and the associated release of carbon from biomass burning. She assisted on the preliminary approach to modeling the quantities of biomass feasible for clearing, depending on physical and economic constraints.

"The Fellows provide tremendous value to our organization, helping us in ongoing projects and in carrying out our broader mission. There is an excellent match between MAP's mission of promoting awareness of energy-related environmental issues and a sustainable energy future, and Winrock's mission to increase economic opportunity, sustain natural resources, and protect the environment."

"I learned a tremendous amount about the field of international development, about both national and international energy work, and about the skills necessary outside of academia."