The Luskin Center for Innovation is pleased to announce Rachel Sheinberg as our new postdoctoral researcher.

Rachel will contribute to our research evaluating customer debt management and affordability strategies for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power as it transitions to 100% renewable energy. Additionally, she will work on other equity projects, including research on building decarbonization, transportation electrification, and natural gas decommissioning.

Before joining the Luskin Center for Innovation, Rachel completed her PhD at UCLA’s Institute of Environment and Sustainability and holds a B.S. in Environmental Engineering from Brown University. She also worked as a project developer at Sunwealth, an equity-focused solar financing company.

We asked Rachel a few questions to get to know her better. Read on to learn more about her!

1. Why is environmental policy important to you?

It’s important to me because it brings together technical questions of urban planning, resource use, and engineering and social questions about equitable resource distribution and sustainable society-building. I’m motivated by thinking about future generations and finding environmental solutions that don’t exacerbate social inequalities.

2. How did you first become interested in environmental policy?

I was interested in animals from a young age and wanted to become a marine biologist, but I gradually realized I was much more drawn to problem-solving, physics, and the built environment. That led me to think about environmental challenges from an engineering perspective and eventually to policy, because technology is only as good as how we use it.

3. What are you most looking forward to in this role?

I’m excited to continue my work on affordability and utility debt with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and to collaborate with other researchers at the Center. I’m also looking forward to working on the Justice First project, which aims to develop a hyperlocal, community-led energy transition plan for sites in Los Angeles and other cities worldwide.

4. What drew you to UCLA and the Luskin Center for Innovation?

I’ve been working with Greg Pierce for the past four years on the LA 100 Equity Strategies project, so this role is an exciting opportunity to continue work I’m passionate about in Los Angeles. I hope to use the institutional knowledge I’ve developed through working with community-based organizations to advocate for environmental justice.

5. What are a few things people should know about you?

I grew up in Rhode Island and have been in California since 2020. I also volunteer with my neighborhood council’s sustainability committee in Mid-City!

6. What do you like to do in your free time?

I like taking public transit, running, indoor rock climbing, exploring L.A.’s architecture, and spending time with my three cats.