Supraja Sudharsan

Graduate Research Assistant

Member Of:
  • School of International Affairs
Office Location: Habersham G15
Related Links:
Email Address: ssudharsan3@gatech.edu

Overview

Supraja Sudharsan is a PhD Student studying climate change governance in the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs at the Georgia Institute of Technology. In her research, she studies the role of cities and city networks in combating climate change focusing on cities from developing countries in particular. Her previous studies include a Master’s degree in Operations Research (financial engineering major) from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Technology in Engineering from India. 
In addition to her research, Supraja is also active in sustainability-related initiatives. She served as a member of Georgia Tech's Sustainability Student Advisory Committee. In this capacity, she reviewed the Institute’s plan to incorporate sustainable community practices in learning curriculum. She also served as a trainer for the Office of Serve-Learn-Sustain and expanded her engagement through a fellowship with their food, energy and water systems program.
Through summer fellowships with the Environmental Defense Fund, Supraja worked in both the public and private sectors on renewable energy and energy efficiency related projects, delving into technical, economic and policy challenges related to clean energy transitions in the United States. Before coming to Georgia Tech, Supraja enjoyed a brief stint as a lead investment banking analyst in India, managing engagements with oil and gas and renewable energy companies. 
In addition to climate change governance, her other areas of interest include comparative renewable energy technologies and policies, energy security, and economic geography of energy transitions. 
Education:
  • Master of Science, International Affairs
  • Master of Science, Financial Engineering Major
  • Bachelor of Technology, Chemical Engineering
Awards and
Distinctions:
  • Selected as Trainer at the Office of Serve-Learn-Sustain at Georgia Tech, Jan 2016-Present
  • Served as Member of Sustainability Student Advisory Committee, 2014-2015
  • EDF Climate Corps fellow 2014
Areas of
Expertise:
  • Cities In Climate Governance
  • Energy Technology, Policy And Security
  • Transnational Climate Change Governance

Interests

Research Fields:
  • Clean Energy
  • Energy Markets
  • Energy, Climate and Environmental Policy
  • Global Cities and Urban Society
  • Global Energy Security
  • Institutional Analysis
  • Smart Grid
  • Voluntary Programs
Geographic
Focuses:
  • Asia (East)
  • Asia (South)
  • Europe
  • United States
  • United States - Georgia
Issues:
  • Energy
  • Environment
  • Foreign Policy
  • Globalization and Localization
  • Governance
  • Institution-Building
  • Sustainability

Publications