I am a climate researcher, communicator, and policy specialist with over 7 years of experience delivering impactful results for a diverse range of stakeholders. My expertise lies in fostering stakeholder relations, capacity building, and crafting cohesive climate narratives through advanced data analysis. My goal is to help shape a sustainable future through informed and actionable environmental strategies.

I am passionate about uncovering the connections between policy, data, and real-world impacts on people and the environment. With an interdisciplinary background and a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Management, I bring a unique blend of skills and experiences that enable me to tackle challenges in climate policy and sustainability.

Throughout my career, I’ve led major initiatives, including:
+ Identifying and evaluating carbon offset projects totaling over $400M in potential value
+ Leveraging political communication to address climate skepticism in the United States
+ Championing DEIJ and youth engagement initiatives to nurture an inclusive generation of future conservation leaders
+ Advising graduate students on climate consulting projects to meet specific business sustainability needs
+ Developing green growth strategies that diversify portfolios and increase revenue
+ Designing and teaching undergraduate courses in public policy and leadership
+ Developing a Best Practice Policy Framework of successfully implemented policy measures, providing actionable guidance for policymakers to strengthen their urban infrastructure
+ Equipping young women with essential entrepreneurial skills
+ Engaging in grassroots lobbying and issue advocacy to drive positive environmental change

I am dedicated to creating positive change through collaboration and community engagement. By amplifying diverse voices and empowering future leaders, I aim to inspire meaningful change and foster a brighter, more equitable future for all.

Aditi Thapar

SKILLS

LANGUAGES: English (native), French (conversational), Hindi (conversational)

DATA ANALYSIS: Stata, SPSS, RStudio, NVivo, Excel

SPATIAL ANALYSIS & DATA VISUALIZATION: GeoDa, Tableau (novice - all)

PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES: R, MATLAB, JavaScript, Java, C++ (novice – all)

SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING FRAMEWORKS: CDP, GRI, GHG Protocol, SBTi

OTHER: Access, Visio, SharePoint, Photoshop, NGP VAN, ConstantContact, EndNote, Squarespace, Canva, Google Analytics

EDUCATION

The Ohio State University, 2022
Ph.D. Public Policy & Management
Dissertation: To Believe or Not to Believe? The Impact of Political Communication on the Beliefs of Climate Change Skeptics in the United States
Research Interests: Environmental & Social Policy

Columbia University, 2013
M.A. Climate & Society

University of Michigan, 2011
B.S. Program in the Environment
Specialisation: Urban Planning & Sustainable Development

AWARDS & HONORS

Sesquicentennial Student Scholar Leadership Program
The Ohio State University, 2019 - 2022
(1 of 150 students across all 6 of Ohio State University’s campuses)
[Learn more]

PhD Student Small Research Grant Award
John Glenn College of Public Affairs, 2019
(Chosen from 16 applicants)
[Learn more]

INTERESTS & Additional SKILLS

Licensed open-water scuba diver

Avid photographer

Amateur pâtissier

Novice seamstress

Licensed wedding officiant


PROFESSIONAL SERVICE & INVOLVEMENT

Trustee
The Nature Conservancy in Ohio (2020 - Present)

Mentor, M.A. in Climate & Society
Columbia University (2020 - Present)

Doctoral Student Mentor
John Glenn College of Public Affairs (2018 - 2022)

University Career Alumni Network Mentor
University of Michigan (2015 - 2020)

Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Task Force Member
John Glenn College of Public Affairs (2018 - 2019)

College of Literature, Sciences & The Arts Student Mentor
University of Michigan Summer Mentorship Program (2018 - 2019)

Doctoral Student Representative, Diversity & Inclusion Committee
John Glenn College of Public Affairs (2017 - 2019)

Diversity & Inclusion Committee Member
OSU Council of Graduate Students (2016 - 2019)

Doctoral Student Representative, Budget & Strategic Planning Committee
John Glenn College of Public Affairs (2017 - 2018)

Social Chair, Doctoral Student Organisation
John Glenn College of Public Affairs (2017 - 2018)