Future Energy Leaders

About the Initiative

Welcome to the forefront of sustainable change! The Institute of the Americas, strategically located on the University of California San Diego (UCSD) campus, is thrilled to introduce our landmark initiative – “Future Energy Leaders.”

With the philanthropic support of our friend and former energy executive at Solar Turbines, Johan Gerretsen and Theodore Gildred III, IOA’s board member and son of the Institute’s founder, we have successfully cultivated a dynamic and meaningful connection with the next generation of trailblazers in the energy sector.

Thanks to the generosity of our philanthropic partners, we have elevated our engagement with UC San Diego graduate students, transforming it into a robust and formalized project. A testament to this collaboration was the recent participation of several students as rapporteurs at our prestigious Madrid Energy Conference. This unparalleled opportunity not only counted on their support to produce the conference summary report but also enabled them to interact with energy officials and executives from across the globe.

Additionally, UCSD graduate students were instrumental in the development and implementation of a project focused on the role and performance of key national oil companies in Latin America with regards to sustainable development and energy transition. With their support, we performed a quantitative comparative analysis and assessment that resulted in a unique infographic.

As part of our commitment to nurturing talent globally, Ted Gildred III’s contribution allowed us to establish scholarships for two graduate students at the Center for the Study of Energy Regulatory Activities (CEARE) at the University of Buenos Aires. This initiative not only fosters academic excellence but also enhances the foundation for future energy leaders.

These scholars will not only receive financial support for their academic pursuits but will also be integral members of unique research projects, propelling them into the forefront of innovative energy solutions.