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Undergraduate students from across the country competed in the Baker Institute Student Forum’s second annual public policy conference Sept. 19 and 20 at Baker Hall. Twelve teams of finalists presented their policy papers on how to best address existing problems or emerging opportunities in the U.S. energy sector to a panel of industry experts, academics and Baker Institute fellows. Each team discussed their work with fellows, toured the institute, and met with representatives from government, industry and the renewables sector.
Jacob Mansfield ’16, studying mathematical economic analysis and policy studies at Rice, and Delaine Tubbs ’18, a Rice political science and policy studies double major, won first place and $2,500 with their project “Addressing Crude-By-Rail Safety Concerns.”
Second prize went to Katherine McKeen, a Brown University senior majoring in environmental studies and religious studies. McKeen examined the environmental and economic benefits of a revenue-neutral carbon tax and won $2,000.
Michael Portal ’17, a Rice philosophy and policy studies double major, and Ryan Sun ’16, double majoring in mathematical economic analysis and political science at Rice, came in third place with their proposals on “Drip Irrigation and Agricultural Energy.” They received a $1,500 prize.
The finalists represented four universities — including Arizona State, Brown, Rice and Vanderbilt — and presented on topics as varied as energy security, crude oil exports, carbon tax policy and renewable energy. Former Houston Mayor Bill White, who also served as deputy secretary of energy in the Clinton administration and is currently the chairman of Lazard Houston, gave they keynote address at the awards presentation.
The conference was made possible through the generous support of Deedee and Burt McMurtry '56, Rice’s School of Social Sciences, the Baker Institute Center for Energy Studies, Rice’s Office of the Dean of Undergraduates and fellow Joe Barnes.
Created in 2002, the Baker Institute Student Forum provides Rice students with opportunities to explore current policy issues and lend a meaningful voice to the nation’s political discourse.
Cover photo: Former Houston mayor Bill White with conference competitors