Avery Barnett

Department: Princeton School of Public and International Affairs
Faculty Adviser: Michael Oppenheimer & Jesse Jenkins
Year of Study: G4
Undergraduate School: Grinnell College
Undergraduate Major: Physics with Concentrations in Technology Studies and Environmental Studies

Personal Bio

Hi Everyone!

I was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica and I love being able to have a little piece of home on campus through being in TigerChunes, a student-led steelpan group. On that note, I love most things related to the arts. I enjoy going to Broadway, seeing plays and other works on campus, and going to concerts to hear live music.

My undergraduate experience significantly influenced my current path. I embarked on a couple of independent research projects looking into the history of renewable energy, specifically solar power, as well as, working towards creating photovoltaic cells to charge a car battery. Unfortunately, my latter project wasn't able to be completed due to the pandemic. Outside of academics, I started playing the harp which is a hobby I've kept up, and (somehow) was able to attend over 10 conferences where the topics ranged from business to physics, to science policy.

Fun Fact

A fun fact about me is that when I was 15 I was a stunt double for a local Jamaica celebrity in an advertisement.

Research Pitch

I'm pursuing my PhD in Public Affairs within the Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy cluster. Within that, I focus on clean energy systems within the Caribbean by conceptualizing the possibility of an Eastern Caribbean Electricity Grid Interconnection while ensuring that the electricity grid is sufficiently resilient against natural hazards and global forces.
I'm very passionate about my research because an electric grid interconnection is currently a salient topic within regional energy discussions. I also believe that my research can inform policymakers about the modifications needed for this project to be realized, as well as, provide relevant stakeholders with a modeling tool that is accessible and encompasses the various hazards that the grid faces.
Despite being one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change and market forces, the Caribbean is often not represented in energy systems research. Thus, I hope to add to that body of research and carve a larger space for the Caribbean within the global energy space. My research methods involve a combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies. I am conducting interviews to understand the sociopolitical barriers for the grid, which I will complement with a variety of modeling methods to simulate the grid and the impacts of natural hazards on resilience.

Upcoming Programs That I Am Attending:

Plans for Summer 2025

Interested in participating in Summer 2025 ReMatch+ program.