Aspiring policy geek, a graduate student at the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, and a below average surfer

Scott is a graduate student at the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, where he is pursuing his Master's degree with a specialization in Energy and Climate and an emphasis in Strategic Communications. His academic path is driven by a genuine curiosity about how policy can accelerate the transition to renewable energy and deliver real, lasting benefits for the communities that need it most.

Scott's interest in environmental science was reignited by the energy provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act, particularly the ways industrial policy can be designed to expand renewable energy production and drive decarbonization at scale. At Bren, he hopes to dig deeper into those questions, developing policy frameworks that not only prioritize clean energy but also make the case for it in ways that resonate with diverse audiences.

Before coming to Bren, Scott earned his Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences with a minor in Psychology from California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in 2020. His background isn't just scientific, he spent meaningful time working as a crisis counselor and autism behavioral therapist, experiences that sharpened his ability to communicate clearly and compassionately under pressure. He sees those skills as directly transferable to the work of policy communication: understanding your audience, meeting people where they are, and making complex ideas feel accessible and urgent.