Abiel Alvarenga
Non-Resident CESP Fellow
Abiel, formerly a CESP Graduate Fellow, is an analyst who seeks to combine an understanding of human incentives and the use of advanced technologies. He has experience in various roles working with think tanks and policymakers disseminating valuable research on matters of economics and foreign relations. He has a Master’s of Arts in International Security from George Mason University. Prior to attending George Mason, he earned his Bachelor’s of Arts in Government & Politics, with a concentration in International Relations, from the University of Maryland. His research interests include Indo-Pacific strategy, space, and atomic energy policy.
Jordan Bertaux
Non-Resident CESP Fellow
Jordan received their bachelor’s degree in environmental and sustainability studies with a concentration in climate change and society in Spring of 2025 from George Mason University. They will pursue a MAIS with a concentration in energy and sustainability from George Mason University starting in the Fall of 2025. Jordan is interested in shaping policies for communities to adapt to the effects of climate change. This interest in equitable policy-based solutions led Jordan to the Virginia Energy Action Plan by using education and communication to help Virginians.
Elliot Meyer
Non-Resident CESP Fellow
Elliot Meyer is an energy and sustainability professional with expertise in industrial decarbonization, energy markets, project management, and community engagement. Elliot most recently served in the Industrial Demonstrations Program at the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, working closely with major American industrial companies to implement cutting-edge decarbonization technology. Previously, Elliot was a CESP Student Fellow from 2022-2023, and a principal researcher for the Local Climate Action Planning Initiative, leading the climate action planning for three Virginia localities. Elliot earned his Master’s of Public Policy from George Mason University in 2023 and his B.A. in Political Science from Randolph-Macon College in 2015.
Schuyler Lynch
Non-Resident CESP Fellow
Jack Potter
Non-Resident CESP Fellow
Jack Potter is completing a bachelor’s in public administration with a minor in sociology and will be pursuing an MPA in the Fall of 2025. His interest in energy science and policy was sparked by a course in climate and energy law, which deepened his interest in issues at the intersection of his field of study and environmental policy. Jack looks forward to contributing to the Virginia Energy Action Plan and is particularly interested in local, community-based energy solutions and planning. His research interests also include state and federal law compliance in the context of energy and environmental policy.
Marcos Rahmeyer-Lara
Non-Resident CESP Fellow
Marcos Rahmeyer-Lara received his Master of International Security (MA) from George Mason’s Schar School of Policy and Government in 2025. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Global Affairs from George Mason in 2023. Marcos is interested in contemporary issues of international affairs, and has a research focus in Circumpolar Arctic geopolitics, Energy and Climate Policy, and Outer Space commercial policy. His interest in understanding the energy sector from the ground-up brought him to CESP, in contrast to prior studies on broader topics of multilateral climate and energy-related initiatives and the energy mixes of countries at the (sovereign) state level.
Todd Smith
Non-Resident CESP Fellow
Todd Smith is a federal consultant with expertise in project management, data analysis, strategic communications, and stakeholder engagement across various security and regulatory agencies. His experience focuses on the development and implementation of innovative, cross-disciplinary process improvements. Todd received his Master of Public Policy (MPP) from George Mason University in 2023, focused on energy policy. Research included energy sectors assessments of El Salvador and Turkmenistan, development of a national energy security plan for Japan, and comprehensive benefit-risk assessments of various renewable energy technologies. Additionally, Todd contributed to the first phase of the CESP’s Local Climate Action Planning Initiative (LCAPI) by conducting background research on Henry County and the City of Martinsville. These experiences have solidified his research interest in community energy security and the role of local governments, as well as technology, in driving sustainable clean energy transitions. He also holds a BS in Business Information Technology from Virginia Tech.
