What attracted you to your program of study at the BSIA?
BSIA provided an interdisciplinary graduate program where I was able to carve out my own niche within the broader global governance ecosystem. While I focused on climate and energy policy, my MAGG peers worked on issues ranging from security to development to gender, creating an enriching mix of perspectives and debates. This diversity, combined with courses taught by leading experts, made the academic environment both rigorous and intellectually stimulating. I also valued BSIA’s strong professional networks. Through its connections, I secured an internship at Environment and Climate Change Canada, which ultimately launched my career in international climate policy with the Government of Canada.
What exactly do you do in your position?
In my role as a Multilateral Policy Officer with the International Energy Agency (IEA), I work to position the IEA as the preferred, trusted advisor on energy and climate issues to Presidencies and Parties in multilateral fora, primarily the Group of Seven (G7), Group of Twenty (G20), and the Conference of Parties (COP). Practically, this means helping rotating Presidencies shape their priorities, understand the energy landscape, and identify how the IEA’s data, analysis and policy expertise can support their agenda.
Much of my work involves coordinating directly with senior officials, drafting strategic advice, and translating complex energy analysis into actionable guidance for decision makers.
For example, the IEA provided extensive support to South Africa during their 2025 G20 Presidency, with the energy track structured around their three key priorities: energy security, affordability, and reliable access; just, affordable, and inclusive energy transitions; and African interconnectivity and energy pools. As part of this support, I was fortunate to travel to South Africa to deliver a scene-setting presentation, drawing from the IEA’s latest analysis on energy security and access, to South African Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and G20 senior energy officials – helping to frame the discussion and eventual G20 energy outcomes.
What was the most impactful experience during your Master’s degree (MIPP or MAGG)?
The Graduate Fellowship was the most impactful experience of my master’s degree and played a central role in confirming my interest in a career in climate and energy policy. As part of the Fellowship, my team examined the complex challenge of global energy access and developed a concise policy brief outlining actionable recommendations Canada could take to support the world’s most energy-impoverished populations—both domestically and internationally. Working under the guidance of professors from the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Energy (WISE), we refined the problem, conducted targeted research, shaped policy options, and ultimately presented our analysis to senior officials at Global Affairs Canada. This end-to-end policy process offered invaluable practical experience and directly prepared me for policy analyst roles in the Government of Canada and for my current work at the IEA.
Tell us about your job, how are you making a difference?
One of the clearest examples of my work making a difference was when I led the development of the Canada-Germany Energy Partnership on behalf of Natural Resources Canada. The partnership was created to provide a framework for cooperation in the energy sector that leverages bilateral and multilateral synergies to accelerate a safe, secure, reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy transition in Canada and Germany through knowledge exchange, trade and investment, and joint research & development initiatives.
What made this work meaningful was seeing how a policy framework could translate into real opportunities for people—supporting cleaner technologies, strengthening energy security, and creating new pathways for workers, businesses and communities in both countries. Since its inception, the Partnership has become the foundation for deepened bilateral cooperation, including major initiatives such as the Canada–Germany Hydrogen Alliance announced during Chancellor Scholz’s 2022 visit to Canada, and the more recent cooperation on critical minerals announced during Prime Minister Carney’s visit to Germany in August 2025.
What are the next steps in your career progression…where do you see yourself going?
I plan to continue building my career in climate and energy diplomacy, working with organizations that are advancing a secure, sustainable, and affordable clean energy transition. Having gained experience in both government and intergovernmental settings, I am interested in exploring the climate–energy nexus from new angles—whether in the private sector or within philanthropic and not-for-profit organizations driving innovation and impact. Ultimately, I aspire to a career that remains varied, challenging, and deeply connected to what I see as the defining challenge of my generation: addressing climate change.
What advice to you have for a potential student looking to complete their master’s degree at the Balsillie School of International Policy or looking to work in Global Governance and International Policy?
When mentoring students, I often emphasize three key points:
1. Do well in school: Global governance is a highly competitive field, and strong academic performance helps open doors and distinguish you from other candidates. Complement your coursework with extracurricular activities that strengthen your profile and contribute to a well-rounded CV.
2. Demonstrate interest and aptitude: If you have a particular issue area you care about, make it visible. Many of my most meaningful career opportunities emerged because I signaled interest and expertise to my managers. For example, my Major Research Paper on carbon emissions trading allowed me to support Canada’s lead negotiator on carbon markets at Environment and Climate Change Canada.
3. Stay curious: Global governance is constantly evolving, so cultivating curiosity is essential. This means reading widely, listening to relevant podcasts, and engaging with perspectives that challenge your assumptions. Being informed and open to new ideas helps you navigate—and make sense of—the complexity of international affairs.