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Meet Cole Fuller ’24, 26G, UNH's Energy Systems Analyst, whose path to a sustainability career began right here at UNH as an undergraduate analytical economics major. UNH's Climate Action Clinic sparked Cole’s career journey, which included AmeriCorps service, a master’s degree in economics, and ultimately a return to UNH in a role that blends data analysis with hands-on energy efficiency work. 

Tell us about your role as the energy systems analyst at UNH.

I work in the Energy & Utilities office, which is a part of the Facilities Dept. I support campus energy efficiency projects, manage the data from over 700 building utility meters, and improve the dashboarding and reporting systems the office uses for analysis. 

It is a great combination of the data experimentation and development I enjoy and getting involved in tangible projects to improve our campus. 

What got you interested in the energy field?

I got into the energy field through the Climate Action Clinic, then through my AmeriCorps service term, where I was an Energy Navigator working on residential energy efficiency. 

I found the technology and scale of energy systems fascinating, and it became something I wanted to learn more about. Now, having some experience in the field, I think it is a crucial part of creating a climate-friendly world. 

You did the Climate Action Clinic twice as an undergrad, once as a peer mentor. What did you enjoy about the class, and what made you decide to return to do the clinic a second time?

The Climate Action Clinic was really valuable for me to recognize the connection between my skillset, which was more data/math focused, and my interest in sustainability. The hands-on experience working with client orgs was also great, being exposed to the insides of those orgs was something I hadn’t experienced before. It was an easy decision to return for a second semester, to more deeply apply what I had learned the first time around! 

How did the skills you learned in that class and other experiences impact your next steps or career path? What did you do after graduation?

The clinic inspired me to pursue jobs that were more sustainability focused. As an analytical econ major, I wasn’t aware of how much opportunity there would be for me in the field. 

After graduation, I did an AmeriCorps service term with the Climate Corps, through the Center for the Environment at St. Lawrence University. During the term, I realized there was more I wanted to learn, and returned to UNH for an econ MS degree. During my masters, I started an internship with the UNH Energy office which led to my current role. 

What advice would you give current or prospective students who are interested in sustainability or energy?

My main piece of advice is to focus on finding the aspects of sustainability that combine your skills and your specific interests. Sustainability is such a huge field that includes so many industries and jobs, your unique skillset will be perfect for something out there if you can find it. It is not something that is going to go away or even get smaller, so don’t give up if you’re really interested in it!