RCEI Clean Energy Fellowship

Rutgers Climate and Energy Institute has partnered with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to offer a paid placement within BPU's Division of Clean Energy and Office of Federal and Regional Policy.  This fellowship is available to Rutgers master's students who want to advance clean energy policy and programs alongside clean energy leaders. The Fellowship requires 130 hours over a 13 week period.  This fellowship is offered every Fall, Spring, and Summer semester.

BPU Placement Divisions

Division of Clean Energy (DCE)
DCE advances energy efficiency and the development of clean energy resources. Guided by New Jersey’s goal of achieving 100% clean energy by 2035, DCE works to lower energy costs, reduce electricity demand, cut air pollution, and create jobs in the clean energy sector. RCEI Fellows placed within DCE work alongside program and policy leaders supporting clean energy program administration and development. RCEI Fellows also gain exposure to the legal and regulatory frameworks that shape clean energy initiatives.
Office of Federal and Regional Policy (OFRP)
The Office of Federal and Regional Policy (OFRP), assists the Board’s Commissioners in voicing their policy positions at the federal and regional level. Staff of the OFRP advise the Commissioners on policy positions to advance in proceedings before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and Department of Energy (DOE). In coordination with the Division of Law, OFRP manages BPU’s filings in those federal proceedings. OFRP Staff actively monitor and participate in stakeholder proceedings at PJM Interconnection, LLC (PJM), the Regional Transmission Organization. OFRP Staff also coordinate with other State Commissions through the Organization of PJM States, Inc. (OSPI) and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissions (NARUC) to develop policy positions.
Professional Mentorshipfrom experts in clean energy
Networking Opportunitiesto enhance career prospects
Potential for full-time Employmentafter graduation
Paid Placementwith practical industry experience

Eligibility & Fellow Responsibilities

Eligibility

For this fellowship a student must:

  • Be enrolled in a Rutgers Master's program that provides course work within one of the following disciplines:
    • Applied Energy Economics
    • Energy-based Engineering
    • Energy Public Policy
  • Maintain a graduate cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher
  • Be a U.S. citizen OR have appropriate documentation to work in the U.S.
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Responsibilites

Fellows within this program will:

  • Complete 130 hours of professional experience over the 13-week period
  • Collaborate with BPU professionals and industry leaders to support projects within DCE and OFRP
  • Conduct industry and policy research in independent or team-based settings
  • Apply academic training and relevant experiences to advance innovative solutions alongside BPU administration officials
  • Participate in networking and professional development activities

How to Apply

Applications for the Fall 2026 fellowship program are now closed. Please check back later this year for the Spring 2027 Fellowship Application.

Application

Applications require three steps:

  1. Upload your CV/resume, unofficial transcripts, and a personal statement to the online application portal.
  2. Arrange for three (3) letters of recommendation to be sent directly to cleanenergy@rcei.rutgers.edu.
  3. Submit the completed online application form (check back later this year for Spring 2027 applications); see here for list of all information requested.

Applicants and recommenders will receive an email confirmation once the full application packet has been received and processed by RCEI.

Selection & Compensation

Selection

Successful candidates will be selected based on:

  • Clear and concise personal statement that shows interest in clean energy policy implementation
  • Professional and/ or academic recommendations
  • Academic performance and relevant experience
  • Demonstration of strong communication, research, and organizational skills
  • Displays ability to excel in self-directed environments that support team outcomes

Compensation: participants will receive an hourly rate of $20 for the first 130 hours of the fellowship completed.

For further inquiries or additional details regarding the RCEI Clean Energy Fellowship Program, please contact cleanenergy@rcei.rutgers.edu.

Summer 2026 RCEI Clean Energy Fellows

Daniel Greenman

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Bio:

Daniel Greenman is a first-year graduate student at Rutgers University's Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, where he is pursuing a Master of City and Regional Planning and a Master of Public Policy. As an RCEI Clean Energy Fellow this summer at the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, he looks forward to supporting state solar energy programs and learning all he can about energy planning and policy. With experience as a reporter of local environmental news (The Martha's Vineyard Times), a policy researcher (Alliance for Clean Energy New York), and a grant writer (GreenShoots Foundation), Daniel envisions a career of serving the public toward an accessible and affordable clean energy transition.

 

Shivani Mishra

Shivani Mishr

Bio:

Shivani Mishra is a graduate student in Engineering Management at Rutgers University with a passion for leveraging technology, policy, and data to accelerate the clean energy transition. Her experience includes leading cross-functional teams, developing AI-driven solutions, and delivering data-informed recommendations for industry and academic initiatives, including a externship with PSEG focused on future energy operations and demand forecasting. Through the RCEI Clean Energy Fellowship at the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, she aims to deepen her expertise in energy regulation and policy implementation while contributing to programs that expand clean energy access, strengthen community resilience, and support New Jersey's transition to a sustainable energy future.

Alumni

Fellowship FAQ