Janice Pillon’s undergraduate research in environmental studies and emissions reduction technologies left her wanting to better understand the renewable energy technology sector.
So, she decided to pursue a Master of Arts in Sustainable Energy Policy at Carleton’s School of Public Policy and Administration because of the program’s interdisciplinary approach.
“If I was going to learn policy, I wanted to understand what I was talking about from all angles,” says Pillon, who graduated in 2016.
“The program is unique. It includes courses like engineering for policy students, which explains how technologies work on a basic level and the most important things engineers have to consider in the design of energy systems. It also has a project-focused course that helps students better understand the business case behind energy projects.”
At the recommendation of a Carleton faculty member, Pillon secured a co-op position at Natural Resources Canada. After graduation, she was accepted into the federal government’s Advanced Policy Analyst Program (APAP).
With the government, Pillon was able to find a niche in energy and the environment. Her time in APAP gave her experience at each of the government’s central agencies and allowed her to work on environment and natural resource files and electric vehicle policy.
Pillon went on to be a Senior Project Leader with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s new Industrial Decarbonization Team. She worked with private companies that are advancing large-scale, collaborative ideas for decarbonization, and helped position high-potential projects for success as they move through the development process, build partnerships, and seek access to appropriate federal funding.
She then moved to Transport Canada, where she works in air transportation decarbonization policy.
“My MA experience instilled an ability to think critically about policy and energy issues,” says Pillon. “It’s something I’m using every day.”
Monday, January 8, 2024 in Alumni Profile, News, School of Public Policy and Administration
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