M.P.S., M.S. & Ph.D. in Sustainable Energy (SE)
The Sustainable Energy (SE) graduate program enables students to focus on energy resource management and policy research with a strong foundation in the social and biophysical sciences.
The study of responsible energy resources use and the development of sustainable sources of energy have become critical national and global issues. Energy concerns include the quality and quantity of energy resources, energy security, and the impacts of energy generation, transmission and use on the environment and human health. The SE program prepares graduates to lead in addressing these concerns through the development of professional competency in transdisciplinary research and analytical skills. SE graduates advance into careers in academia, sustainable energy administration and management, scientific research, consulting, environmental advocacy, and a variety of other specialized positions related to sustainable energy resources.
Courses
SE students take courses in energy systems and pathways, resource management, environmental engineering, law and policy, and statistical analysis, among others. Rather than follow a specific track, the curriculum path for each student will follow a mentor-based approach tailored to individual professional and research interests. Students work with their major professor and steering committee to develop their coursework curriculum, which includes opportunities for both classroom-based and lab- and field-based instruction.
- M.P.S. students are required to complete 30 credit hours of graduate coursework.
- M.S. students are required to take 30 graduate credit hours, including 24 hours of coursework credit and six thesis research credits; 12 coursework credit hours must be at the 600-level or above.
- Ph.D. students are required to take 60 graduate credit hours, including 48 hours of coursework credit and 12 hours of thesis research credit.
Participating Faculty
- Tristan R. Brown; trbro100@esf.edu
sustainable energy law & policy; energy systems analysis; techno-economic analysis; and climate policy - Robert W. Malmsheimer; rwmalmsh@esf.edu
How laws and the legal system affect natural resources management, including how carbon accounting policies affect forest and natural resources. - Nehan Naim; nenaim@esf.edu
Energy Economics and Finance, Regulations, Industrial Organization, Internet of Things, Disruptive Innovation and Entrepreneurship - Obste Therasme; otherasm@esf.edu
Life cycle assessment; sustainable energy system analysis; net zero/negative greenhouse gas emissions systems; biomass for biofuels, energy and bioproducts - Timothy A. Volk; tavolk@esf.edu
silviculture, forest management for renewable energy, biomass and bioenergy, energy, agroforestry, phytoremediation, management and sustainability of short rotation woody crops, life cycle analysis, ecophysiology, international forestry

Contact Us
Diane Kuehn
Associate Professor
Graduate Education Coordinator - SRM
310A Bray Hall, One Forestry Drive
Syracuse, NY 13210-2788
Phone: (315) 470-6561
Fax: (315) 470-6535
Current Graduate Students in Sustainable Energy
Current Students Only currently registered students appear new names appear at start of academic year

Mark Bremer
mabremer@syr.eduFRM Economics, Policy, and Human Dimensions
Degree Sought: PHD
Advisor(s): Naim
Previous Graduate Study: Syracuse University (Environmental Engine)
Links
Web Link
Graduate Research Topic
Market and policy drivers of innovation in green buildings.
Jenny Frank
jrfran01@syr.eduFRM Sustainable Energy
Degree Sought: PHD
Advisor(s): Brown and Malmsheimer
Previous Graduate Study: Indiana University of Bloomington* (Energy/ Environmenta)
Personal Statement
My PhD research interest focuses on lifecycle economic analysis of biopower which is one of key sustainable energy resources to help meet our future energy demand. I am keen on techno-economic analysis (TEA) for modeling a whole supply chain of biopower which is from harvesting forest biomass feedstock through supplying electric power and/or heat. I have developed my research and analytical skills through various resources of the FNRM’s Sustainable Energy program such as coursework, seminar, and conference presentations.
Graduate Research Topic
Techno-economic analysis of forest biomass feedstock supply and biopower
Favorite Quote
“Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything. If you do not change, you can become extinct” ― George Bernard Shaw & Spencer Johnson
Personal Statement
I am passionate about finding ways to reduce our dependance on fossil fuels and integrate sustainable resources into our energy systems. I am currently studying the feasibility of utilizing post consumer waste paper as a feedstock for energy and biofuels.