We are dedicated to advancing knowledge and fostering meaningful dialogue on energy and environmental issues that shape international policy and global development. Through our programming and initiatives, we create opportunities for students to develop specialized expertise while building the analytical and practical skills essential for careers in this rapidly evolving field. Our core commitments are below!
We identify and promote career opportunities across the energy and environment sector, connecting students with internships, fellowships, and full-time positions in government agencies, international organizations, private sector firms, and non-governmental organizations.
We facilitate substantive discussions on pressing energy and environmental challenges, from climate diplomacy and renewable energy transitions to environmental security and sustainable development, encouraging diverse perspectives and evidence-based analysis.
We foster a vibrant community of students, faculty, and professionals who share a commitment to addressing global energy and environmental challenges through informed policy-making and international cooperation.
President
Isabella Zárate is a Rangel Fellow and second-year MAIR student with concentrations in Development, Climate, and Sustainability and The Americas. She graduated from Baylor University with a B.A. in International Studies and Environmental Studies, and she completed her honors' thesis on climate communication and the importance of value -based messaging. Before attending SAIS, during her undergraduate studies, she has interned with the US Forest Service, local environmental non-profits, and a tech-centered non-profit, allowing her to focus her efforts on aiding marginalized communities gain access to educational tools and climate resources.
Vice-President
Brian Njoroge is a second-year MAIR student with concentrations in International Economics and Finance and Africa. He graduated from Duke University with a B.A in Public Policy and International Comparative Studies in 2020. He is a Sustainability Researcher, analyzing the private sector’s sustainability practices for the world’s 2000 most influential companies. Previously, he has worked at the intersection of digital innovation and climate resilience across Africa and Asia, and has held roles in health partnership development and consulting for micro-enterprises. His research interests include climate finance flows to low- and middle-income countries and renewable energy.
Director of Finance
Ayako Takao is a second-year MAIR student focusing on Development, Climate & Sustainability, and Latin America. She holds a degree in International Relations from International Christian University (Tokyo), with a minor in Environmental Studies. Prior to her studies, Ayako worked at an NGO engaging the Japanese government on policy and served as an expert committee member at Japan's Ministry of Environment. Her research interests include climate finance for vulnerable communities, equitable carbon market mechanisms, and the resource curse.
Director of Outreach & Public Relations
Seth George is a second-year Master’s student at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), specializing in development, sustainability, energy, and Africa. Prior to SAIS, he served as the Program Manager of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), a State Department initiative, and as the Strategic Administrator at the World Affairs Council of St. Louis. Seth seeks opportunities beyond his academic and professional career to engage in environmentalism. For two years, he served on the Young Friends Board of earthday365, an organization committed to advancing year-round environmental sustainability in St. Louis, as their co-chair of the social media committee. Seth’s focus is on securing and sustaining critical resources particularly freshwater and land to meet the growing energy demand.
Director of Event Coordination
Anna-Mariia Mandzii is a second-year MAIR student focusing on Development, Climate & Sustainability and Technology & Innovation. She earned her B.A. in International Relations from Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, with additional studies at New York University and Charles University. Previously, Anna-Mariia worked at Rasmussen Global, where she supported clients across defense and energy portfolios, advising on government relations, public affairs, and market entry. She has also worked with several think tanks, conducting policy and regulatory analysis on topics ranging from critical minerals and agricultural trade to grid constraints affecting renewable energy deployment. Her professional interests include power markets and grid modernization, energy efficiency, industrial decarbonization, clean technology deployment, critical mineral supply chains, and sustainable infrastructure finance.
Director of External Engagement
Minjing Tang is a second-year MAIR student, specializing in Development, Climate, and Sustainability, with a focus on China. She previously interned at the Development Research Center of the State Council of China, where she conducted research on sustainable development policies. Her academic interests center on climate governance and energy transition in developing countries. She is committed to advancing dialogue on global energy and environmental challenges and to fostering collaborative solutions.
