Name: Molly Perkins
Where are you from: South Kingstown, Rhode Island
Major: Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
Expected Graduation date: Spring 2021

What is your responsibility as a 2020 URI Energy Fellow (i.e. what team are you on/where are you working)?
I am working on the USDA funded, Solar Siting and Conflicts with Farm and Forested Open Space, research and extension project based at URI. We are focused on helping Rhode Island Solar Siting difficulties by taking into consideration Rhode Islands’ renewable energy goals of 100% renewable energy by 2030 while also being sensitive to the fact that areas have non-market values to residents. Part of my position is to assess Rhode Island’s current solar siting and land use approach by conducting interviews with our primary stakeholders and attending relevant public meetings to collect information. Through my growing relationships with primary stakeholders, I will be able to work on disseminating our research results to those stakeholders through a variety of methods such as educational workshops and mass media. I have found this work incredibly interesting and believe it will be valuable for future solar-related policy.

What do you like to do in your free time? Are you involved in any other organizations or activities on campus?
I enjoy spending my free time on a good hike or going over to the Jonnycake Center of Peacedale, where I have worked for three years, and connecting with community members. If I am not outside or at work, you will most likely see me spending time with my niece and nephew.