Katz Environment and Energy Lab is a social science research lab group that aims to generate actionable insights on questions of natural resources management, environmental protection, energy transitions, and nonprofits in the policy process.
Dr. Juniper Katz, founding Principal Investigator of the Katz Environment and Energy Lab, is Assistant Professor of Public Policy at University of Massachusetts, where she is based in the School of Public Policy. Dr. Katz is an affiliate of ELEVATE and the Energy Transition Institute at UMass, and a Fellow at the Roosevelt Institute in their Climate and Economic Transformation program. Prior to joining the School of Public Policy, Dr. Katz earned her doctorate in public affairs at the University of Colorado Denver, was an executive director of Montezuma Land Conservancy and data consultant for the Land Trust Alliance, among other positions.
Masters Students
Natalie Baillargeon Assistant Lab Director & Clean Energy Policy Fellow
Natalie received a BA in Environmental Science & Policy from Smith College, where she studied how ecological systems are influenced by land use and climate change. Before joining UMass, she worked as a Policy Analyst at Woodwell Climate Research Center. At UMass, Natalie is a Master of Public Policy and Administration Candidate and an ELEVATE Research Fellow.
Edinam Glymin is a Master of Public Policy and Administration student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and has interests in exploring environmental and health policy. She is excited about being part of the lab and working on different sets of projects.
Noah Safer is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Affairs at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His policy interests include expanding food justice and researching sustainable and energy-efficient agricultural practices. His goal as part of the Katz Environment and Energy Lab is to further research land use and environmental policy as it relates to American agriculture.
Astrid Van Haren is a graduate student specializing in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. With a keen focus on the intersectionality of the environment, public health, and legal policies, she is committed to unraveling complex data-driven insights that drive impactful change. Joining the Katz Environment & Energy Lab, Astrid’s goal is to leverage data to foster solutions that enhance sustainable practices and advocate for responsible environmental stewardship.
Rabi Armany is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Data Analytics and Computational Social Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he got his undergraduate degree in Environmental Science. His policy interests include renewable energy, land use, and environmental justice. Joining the Katz Energy and Environment Lab, Rabi is excited to utilize his knowledge of data and the environment to help advance the goals and work of the Lab.
Undergraduate Students
Alice Potapov is pursuing Bachelor’s Degrees in Data Science and Public Policy at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is particularly excited about the intersection between computational science and climate, and is really looking forward to continuing work in the Katz Energy & Environment Lab.
Maya Couto is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in public policy and a minor in Sustainable Community Development at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Commonwealth Honors College. She is passionate about urban planning and design that fosters community and meaningful places, while upholding the integrity of the natural environment. She is excited to learn more about land use policy and its connection to renewable energy in the Katz Energy & Environment Lab.
Former Lab Students
Kushal Raju is a Master’s student in Computer Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, with an undergraduate degree in Electronics and Instrumentation from VIT Vellore. He has 4 years of Python coding experience and skills in image segmentation, data classification, web scraping, automation, and image processing. Kushal specializes in building and deploying Neural Network models for applications like autonomous systems, medical diagnosis, sentiment analysis, biometric security, and energy forecasting. Kushal has published 2 research papers in IEEE and 1 in AIP Proceedings Journal.
Annika Singh, Spring 2023. Mathematics and Public Policy double major.
Skye Durr, Fall 2024. Public Policy and Economics double major.