Burgess’ research explores the governance of atypical technologies, such as solar geoengineering. Most research into solar geoengineering governance is being conducted at the international level, but how are nations supposed to engage effectively when they do not have domestic positions or rationales? His research explores how solar geoengineering’s technical characteristics may be uniquely relevant to Canadian contexts, and how the Canadian government has managed analogous technologies in the past. By understanding the path dependency of governance from historical case studies, it may be possible to understand how solar geoengineering could be effectively led in the future and create opportunities for Canada to be a leader at the global level.

He is an Affiliate Researcher with the United Nations World Climate Research Program, a member of The Waterloo Climate Intervention Strategies Lab (WatCISL), the Balsillie School of International Affairs’ Environment Cluster PhD Support Officer, a member of the Balsillie School’s Global Climate Action Committee, and founder of the Balsillie School Community Garden.

His research is funded by the Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) through the Canada Graduate Scholarships – Doctoral (CGS D) program, the Department of National Defence MINDS Scholarship Initiative, the Balsillie Doctoral Fellowship, the University of Waterloo’s President’s Graduate Scholarship, and the Ontario Graduate Scholarship program.

Prior to his PhD, Burgess was a Policy Analyst with Natural Resources Canada. There, he worked on the project management and regulatory approval of energy infrastructure across Canada, next generation energy technologies, and engaged in Indigenous consultation. Burgess also held a United Nations Association of Canada Internship, studying climate change and the mining sector in Mongolia.