As an earth scientist originally trained in environmental geochemistry and energy systems, with deep energy policy expertise, I am especially interested in practical solutions to improving the sustainability of human-environment interactions while also creating jobs and supporting our economy. After my postdoc, I transitioned from academic research to science policy with a Congressional Science Fellowship through the American Academy for the Advancement of Science and the American Geophysical Union. This led to a position as Senator Michael Bennet's (D-CO) agriculture/energy/environment policy advisor. My experiences and scientific background allowed me to serve our constituents and policy makers on a wide range of energy, climate, land use, natural resource, environment, and agriculture challenges.After gaining federal policy experience, I transitioned back to the Midwest to focus on energy policy as a Senior Consultant at 5 Lakes Energy, LLC. 5 Lakes Energy works to advance clean energy technologies, clean energy policies, along with sustainability and energy efficiency. Through this work, I became involved with the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council (Michigan EIBC), whose mission is to advance policy solutions that create opportunities for growth and innovation in the advanced energy industry.As the current President of the Michigan EIBC and Institute for Energy Innovation, I am excited to help develop policy solutions to support and grow the advanced energy industry in Michigan.