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Xiaochen Sun

Xiaochen Sun


I am a Ph.D candidate in Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University (Heinz College).

My research interests lie in the field of environmental and energy economics. My work uses economic and econometric models to examine the economic and environmental impact of a wide range of policies, including building efficiency, air pollution, and electricity markets. My job market paper studies one of the most critical obstacles for renewable transition and focuses on the interconnection process in the United States. Specifically, I examine the impact of cost allocation uncertainty on generators’ decision to stay in the process. I am fortunate to be advised by Prof. Karen Clay, Prof. Edson Severnini, and Prof. Akshaya Jha.

Prior to my PhD, I worked as a research analyst at Duke University Energy Initiative. I earned my B.A. in environmental economics from Renmin University of China and an M.S. in environmental economics and policy from Duke University.