UC Merced Graduate Student Secures Fellowship in Climate Equity Work

When Isabelle Haddad, a Ph.D. candidate in Environmental Systems, looks ahead to the next chapter, her future is already coming into focus.

The New York native participated in commencement in May and will defend her dissertation in August. She will then begin a one-year, full-time position on Aug. 31 as a Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) Transportation Affordability and Equity Fellow.

"I am grateful to contribute to work that creates real-world impact by advancing clean transportation policies while prioritizing communities that have historically been underserved," Haddad said. "I look forward to helping ensure these communities are meaningfully included in the transition to a more sustainable and equitable transportation system."

Haddad's role will focus on advancing zero-emission vehicle access and affordability at the state level, conducting research on new policy ideas and supporting overall decarbonization efforts.

This aligns with Haddad's dissertation research with Professor Sammuel Markolf, which focused on advancing equity in climate action by evaluating how climate action plans incorporate equity considerations, developing approaches for the equitable siting of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and conducting climate survey research to assess support for EV charging expansion, as well as public understanding of environmental and climate justice concepts.

"Through this work, I have explored ways to ensure that climate policies and investments effectively serve underrepresented communities," she said.

The fellowship represents a significant leap forward in her journey toward a career in sustainability policy.

"My career goal has always been to advance environmental policy through work in the nonprofit sector, making this fellowship with the NRDC an exciting step toward my dream career," Haddad said. "As I begin my professional journey in sustainability, I am eager to contribute to meaningful policy solutions that address environmental challenges while promoting equity."