Website: https://polisci.uconn.edu/person/oksan-bayulgen/

Pillar: People, Place and Policy

What motivated you to join CLEAN EARTH?

I have been doing research on clean energy for many years now. I primarily explore relationships between institutions and policy outcomes, examining how institutions produce different patterns of decision-making asymmetries that shape policy design and how particular policies, in turn, impact power dynamics and coalitions in society. The Clean Earth Initiative is connecting me to an interdisciplinary team of researchers and allowing me to more holistically explore the drivers of energy transitions. Under this broad and inclusive framework, we are able to learn from each other’s research and more effectively develop the tools necessary to tackle the most important challenge facing humanity today. I believe our collaboration will advance scientific knowledge as well as provide practical solutions to policymakers.

What aspect of your research do you find most valuable for the people and communities?

Much of the policy discussion on the slow pace of renewable energy adoption has focused on technological and market barriers to commercialization. I bring issues of agency, political power, equity, and institutions to the center of understanding the variations in clean energy performance. I explore the interconnections among public attitudes, governing structures, and policy outcomes — particularly those empowering individuals and supporting a cleaner environment.