Dean's Fellow, Integrated Sciences and Mathematics
Dhanani School of Science & Engineering
Education
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Master of Environmental Management (Energy & Business), Duke University – Nicholas School of Environment, USA (May 2025)
CGPA: 3.7
Courses: Energy & Environment; Modelling for Energy Systems; Markets for Electric Power; Energy Technologies & Environmental Impacts; Solar Project Development; Resource & Environmental Economics; Climate Tech Startups & Investors; UNFCCC Practicum (Duke Delegate, COP29) -
Bachelor of Science in Accounting & Finance (Magna Cum Laude, Dean’s Merit Scholar), Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi, Pakistan (May 2020)
CGPA: 3.81
Courses: Calculus I & II; Intro to Statistics; Intro to Economics; Statistical Inference; Business & Corporate Law; Financial Markets & Regulations; International Business; Public Finance; Derivatives; International Finance
Research Interests
- Energy Transitions and Energy Access in Developing Economies
- Climate Finance and Policy Reforms
- Techno-Economic Analysis of Clean Energy Technologies (Nuclear, Hydrogen, Solar)
- Energy Modeling and Scenario Planning (e.g., LEAP Platform)
- Sustainable Investments and Impact Finance in LMICs
- Energy Inequality and Load-Shedding Mitigation
Biography
Ummamah Shah is a Fulbright Scholar specializing in energy transitions, energy access, and climate finance, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Pakistan. Her work addresses the financial and structural challenges hindering sustainable energy development, drawing on firsthand experience in Pakistan’s energy sector. She has explored decentralized solar solutions, impact investments, and energy modeling to promote cleaner and more affordable pathways for energy security. As a Dean’s Fellow, she aims to advance research, teaching, and policy discussions on energy planning and financing in climate-vulnerable nations.
Work Experience
- Senior Associate, Renewables First (Aug 2025 – Present)
Designed blended finance instruments (solar lending, de-risking mechanisms) to accelerate clean energy adoption; built pricing models and analyzed tariffs to support competitive market reforms. - Graduate Consultant, AES Corporation (Aug 2024 – Aug 2025)
Conducted techno-economic analysis, market sizing, and sector landscaping for advanced nuclear technologies; delivered go-to-market strategies for clean energy expansion. - Graduate Researcher, Energy Transition During Energy Crisis: Cape Town’s Experience (Aug 2024 – Aug 2025)
Modeled solar integration and load-shedding mitigation using the LEAP platform. - Clean Energy Specialist, Con Edison (EDF Climate Corps U.S. Fellow) (Jun 2024 – Aug 2024)
Developed machine learning models for EV charging incentives; evaluated hydrogen fuel cell adoption for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. - Graduate Consultant, Cisco International (Jan 2024 – Apr 2024)
Developed embodied carbon reduction strategies for a global real estate portfolio using LCA tools. - Consultant, Women Building Peace (WBP) Project (Jun 2022 – Dec 2022)
Supported grant beneficiaries with financial reporting and due diligence; developed project materials and concept notes. - Treasury Management Trainee & Assistant Manager, K-Electric Limited (Aug 2020 – Dec 2021)
Managed $4M daily transactions; optimized financing for $10M in annual savings; presented KPIs to senior leadership. - Investment Banking Intern, United Bank Limited (UBL) (Jun 2019 – Aug 2019)
Conducted financial analysis on coal power and oil projects. - Research and Finance Intern, Sima Funds LLC (Jul 2018 – Aug 2018)
Screened 120+ African solar firms for impact investments; conducted portfolio analysis.
Selected Research Reports
- Energy Transition During Energy Crisis: Cape Town’s Experience (2025) – Built a LEAP-based demand–supply model to simulate distributed solar adoption and load-shedding mitigation.
- Navigating the Future of Nuclear Energy: Strategic Analysis and Market Opportunities (2025) – Conducted sector landscaping, techno-economic modeling (LCOE, NPV, IRR), and GTM strategy design.
- NicISO: Clean Power Market Design & Reliability Modelling (2024) – Evaluated pathways to 95% CO₂ reduction by 2040 using dispatch and reliability models.
- HVDC Transmission: Understanding System Carbon Lock-In (2024) – Analyzed HVDC’s role in renewable integration through techno-economic and policy lenses.
- Integrating Green Hydrogen Storage into Duke Energy’s Future Grid (2023) – Modeled PEM electrolyser scenarios assessing capacity, land use, and emissions.
- Solid Waste Management & Recycling Model (2022) – Designed a cost-recoverable waste management model for Karachi.
Teaching Experience
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Graduate Modelling Assistant, Duke University (2024)
Courses: Modelling for Energy Systems (Fall 2024); Markets for Electric Power (Spring 2024).
Co-led labs and assignments for 40+ students using Python, Excel, and VBA for energy modeling, optimization, Monte Carlo simulation, and economic dispatch.
Leadership Experience
- Fulbright Scholar (2023–2025)
- Climate Reality Grant Winner (2023): Led climate justice campaign “Our Trash, Our Responsibility.”
- Global Shaper, World Economic Forum (Karachi & Durham Chapters)
- Industry Engagement Chair, Duke Energy Club (2024–2025)
- International Representative, Nicholas School Student Council, Duke University
- Specialist, Baghdadi: Led agroforestry and solar adoption initiatives in Sindh (200k+ trees planted)
Technical Skills
- Python
- Energy Modelling (LEAP)
- Advanced Excel & VBA
- Monte Carlo Simulation
- Linear & Mixed-Integer Optimization
- Dispatch Modelling
- System Dynamics
- LCA & Carbon Accounting
