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.

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 3.6 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 Summer 2026 fellowship program are now being accepted!

The deadline for all applications and recommendation letters is March 27, 2026, at 5:00 pm EDT.
Apply here.

Timeline

  • Applications Open: February 9, 2026 11:00 am EDT
  • Application Deadline: March 27, 5:00 pm EDT
  • Video interviews: April 6-24  (selected applicants)
  • Selection Notification: May 11-15
  • Fellowship Duration: 13 weeks, starting May 26, 2026
  • Top candidates will be notified of their interview with the RCEI Clean Energy Fellowship Selection Committee by April 3, via email.
  • Candidates who advance will be invited for a second interview with senior BPU Clean Energy Program officials.

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, 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.

Spring 2026 RCEI Clean Energy Fellows

Alex Koskoski

Bio: Alex is a Master of Public Policy student at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, concentrating in energy and environmental policy. His academic work emphasizes grid electrification, distributed energy resources, and clean energy finance. He previously interned at the U.S. Government Accountability Office, where he drafted formal and informal documents presented to senior leadership. Alex is interested in pursuing work in public administration that supports New Jersey's implementation of clean energy policy. 

Erica Harmon

Bio: Erica is a Master of Public Policy student at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, concentrating in energy and environmental sustainability. She currently works at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection in the Office of Dam Safety and Flood Engineering, where she supports floodplain regulation under FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program. Her background includes experiences in offshore wind development and corporate environmental compliance.  Her career goal is to bridge science and policy to advance New Jersey’s clean energy goals.

Alumni

Name: Vincent Fedoryka
Fellowship cohort and year: Fall 2025
Fellowship placement: Division of Clean Energy
Focus area: Competitive Solar Incentive
Current organization: NJ Department of the Treasury
Email: vinfed1@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-fed/

Name: Adnan Zia
Fellowship cohort and year: Fall 2025
Fellowship placement: Division of Clean Energy
Focus area: Budget Analysis
Current organization: Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning & Public Policy
Email: adnan.zia@rutgers.edu
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adnan-zia-7a045471/

Fellowship FAQ