2025 Internship Project Overview
Our internships focused on modeling technically feasible and economically viable pathways to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in Brazil and China by 2050. Using the MACRO optimization framework, we contributed to modeling Brazil’s bioenergy sector by integrating over 20 new commodities and developing a detailed state-level model for Mato Grosso do Sul. For China, we extended the model to incorporate air pollution emissions (SOx, NOx, PM) from coal-fired power plants and assessed the health impacts of various decarbonization scenarios in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. We also explored applications of system dynamics through STELLA and the FRIDA model to better understand human-climate interactions. This work deepened our understanding of energy system modeling and its real-world implications for public health and sustainable development.
ORGANIZATION/RESEARCH GROUP
Energy Systems Analysis Group, Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University
LOCATION
Princeton, New Jersey
Interns
Cyrus Rosenberg ’28
Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Minor(s): Sustainable Energy
"During my internship, I focused on gathering and analyzing historical data on Brazil's energy investments, with an emphasis on fossil fuel extraction, renewable energy and infrastructure installation costs. This involved navigating international databases like the IEA, World Bank, and Brazilian government sources to locate and verify original data sets. This internship clarified my interest in sustainable energy analysis and has directly influenced my decision to pursue a minor in Sustainable Energy."
Serena Zhang ’28
Major: Operations Research and Financial Engineering
Minor(s): English, Sustainable Energy
"I especially enjoyed connecting technical modeling with real-world impacts, improving public health alongside decarbonization. I strengthened my technical skills in data analysis and macro-level modeling, while learning to collaborate across international teams. I discovered a passion for research that bridges engineering and public health, and I became more confident in taking initiative in my independent research."
Edison Zhu ’28
Major: Operations Research and Financial Engineering
Minor(s): Computer Science
"This work helped me build skills in systems modeling. I enjoyed learning how diverse resources, biomass such as sugarcane, can be integrated into sustainable, cost-effective energy systems, which has broadened my perspective on the possibilities of a net-zero future."
Click to view the end-of-project presentation
Senior Research Engineer, Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment
Mentors
- Hongxi Luo, Associate Research Scholar, Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment
- Joon Moon, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment
