Accelerating clean energy adoption requires scholars who understand the business and policy context of clean energy. The Advanced Experience Program (AXP), created through the generous support of the Mark Torrance Foundation, enables UW doctoral students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to apply their knowledge to support decision makers in climate tech investing and clean energy policy.
AXP is designed to be a flexible time commitment to complement each student’s Ph.D. training and longer-term professional development at the UW and CEI. There are two tracks that comprise AXP: (1) Tech Due Diligence and (2) Science Policy Analysis. The time commitment for each track is approximately 20 hours (not including a final writeup which is typically a two-page contribution to a larger investment or policy document). Participants receive a $1,200 honorarium after both their 20-hour time commitment and final contribution are complete.
Applications for the 2025-26 AXP will open in summer 2025.
Torrance Tech Due Diligence Track
Purpose
Successfully transitioning clean energy research concepts from the laboratory to the marketplace is costly, and often involves pitching ideas to early-stage investors. Participants in the AXP Tech Due Diligence track use their STEM knowledge to advise investors and make technical contributions to a due diligence report or presentation to be used by E8, a climate tech angel investment organization based in the Pacific Northwest. These contributions help E8 evaluate companies seeking funding. Through the Tech Due Diligence track, students gain:
- Experience in broadly applying STEM knowledge as a technical consultant.
- Exposure to early-stage investor perspectives on technology viability, business plans, and risk/opportunity assessment.
Program Details
A wide array of cleantech startup companies seek E8 investments each year over E8’s mid-August through May application cycle. After an initial screening process to triage applicants, students (in consultation with E8) have the opportunity to join a diligence team to evaluate a company and its respective technology. Each student is expected to participate in relevant screening calls and E8 member meetings as part of their 20-hour time commitment, culminating in participation on a due diligence team. Students contribute content to a final report or presentation to be used by E8. Focus areas for deals and companies change year to year, but past deals have been in the following areas: energy storage and generation, solar energy, artificial intelligence, software, recycling, material coatings, CO2, and agriculture.
Program Director: Corie Cobb, Washington Research Foundation Innovation Professor of Clean Energy & Mechanical Engineering
Contact: ceiapps@uw.edu
Tech Due Diligence Analysts
2024-25
2023-24
2022-23
2021-22
2020-21
2019-20
2018-19
2017-18
Torrance Science Policy Analysis Track
Purpose
Long-term clean energy adoption is impacted by public policy. STEM knowledge is a critical component for developing effective clean energy and decarbonization policy at every level of government. The Washington State Academy of Sciences (WSAS) was created by the legislature to provide non-advocacy science analysis to inform policy decisions across the state of Washington. In partnership with WSAS, the AXP Science Policy Analysis track provides students with:
- Experience in communicating STEM ideas to decision-makers with broad technical and non-technical backgrounds.
- Insight into real-world policy processes and exposure to policy makers and staff.
Program Details
WSAS receives regular requests for fast-turnaround technical policy briefs during legislative sessions, but also develops whitepapers in anticipation of needs by government agencies, offices, or community organizations. As part of their 20-hour time commitment, Science Policy Analysts are expected to participate in relevant meetings and contribute to the writing of technical policy briefings and white papers in collaboration with WSAS staff. Quick turnaround technical policy briefings are approximately one to two pages, while a white paper may be several pages and involve multiple writers. When possible, students directly engage with policymakers and key staff.
Program Director: Dan Schwartz, UW Clean Energy Institute director
Contact: ceiapps@uw.edu
Science Policy Analysts
2024-25
2023-24
2022-23
2021-22
2020-21
Application Details
Both programs are open to UW STEM doctoral students enrolled for the full 2024-2025 academic year. Interested UW doctoral students must submit their CV and a 1-page cover letter. The CV should include the applicant’s anticipated graduation date.
The most competitive candidates will convey the following in their application: (1) why they are interested in the professional development this program offers, (2) how participation in this program will be of personal benefit, (3) their research record, work experience and skills, and (4) their potential to extend their current knowledge and skills to new and diverse sets of problems.
Faculty Approval Form for 2024-25 AXP Applicants
*Advisors need to fill out a (very) brief form indicating their support for their student’s application. (recommendation letters are not required).
The deadline for 2024-25 AXP applications and faculty approval forms is 11:59 pm on July 26, 2024.
Decision letters will be sent in early August 2024.
The scoring rubric for AXP applications can be found here.
Questions? Contact ceiapps@uw.edu.
Funding
Thank you to the Mark Torrance Foundation for creating this unique professional development opportunity for clean energy students.
