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Business of Energy Transition Initiative

  • Color photograph of an H2 pipeline with wind energy in the background

    Business of Energy Transition Initiative

    The Business of Energy Transition Initiative (BET) brings together business leaders, faculty experts and students to advance innovative research, experiential learning, and thought leadership on the global transition to sustainable energy.

    The initiative’s mission is to develop a talent pipeline of future energy leaders who are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to develop accessible and actionable approaches to cleaner energy and ignite energy-related innovation and entrepreneurship across all industries.

Business of Sustainability

Showcase: Business of Energy Transition Initiative

PROGRAMS

The initiative is at the forefront of developing energy systems coursework at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The program will provide relevant, real-world learning opportunities and career advancement pathways for students interested in pursuing business roles revolving around energy across all industries. 

"This initiative will help us engage and equip future leaders to develop real-world, actionable, and practical approaches to energy. We need a pragmatic take on affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy in the 21st century. This initiative will identify obstacles, recognize the trade-offs and shape the future of energy through business innovation and entrepreneurship."

— Shon Hiatt

Director, Business of Energy Transition

Associate Professor of Business Administration

CORE TEAM

  • Shon R. Hiatt

    Shon R. Hiatt
    • Director, Business of Energy Transition Initiative
    • Associate Professor of Management and Organization

    Shon Hiatt is an associate professor of business administration, director of the Business of Energy Transition initiative, and faculty affiliate of the Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies. He researches entrepreneurship, strategy, innovation and sustainability in the global energy and agribusiness sectors. His work has been published in leading academic journals and featured in popular media outlets.

  • Karen Green

    Karen Green
    • Program Manager, Business of Energy Transition Initiative

    Karen Green joined the Business of Energy Transition Initiative as Program Manager. She specializes in program planning, relationship management, and development of student experiences. She is excited to apply her skills to advance the strategic goals of the Business of Energy Transition Initiative by fostering relationships with key industry partners and orchestrating energy industry related experiences for students.

  • Ligia Azevedo Rezende

    Ligia Azevedo Rezende

    Postdoctoral Researcher

Faculty Affiliates

  • Michael Mische

    Michael Mische
    • Lecturer of Management and Organization

    Professor Michael A. Mische is widely sought for his independent and objective perspective, exceptional consulting acumen, boardroom skills and direct, Socratic, data driven and client centric style of addressing highly complex and critical strategic, organizational, operational and positioning issues.

    A member of the USC faculty since 1997, Mische is responsible for teaching and coordinating USC’s Marshall management consulting undergraduate and graduate curricula and programs.

    Mische brings over 43 years of global management consulting experience in strategic planning, mergers, turnarounds and strategic innovation to both the classroom and clients.

  • Bell Nareuporn Piyasinchai

    Bell Nareuporn Piyasinchai
    • Assistant Professor of Social Transitions and Behavioral Change, Tilburg University

    Bell Piyasinchai is a research associate with USC Marshall's Business of Energy Initiative. Her research focuses on corporate sustainability, ESG social evaluations, and social impact. FULL BIO

  • David Livingston

    David Livingston
    • Innovation & Sustainability Practitioner in Residence at USC

    David Livingston currently serves as the inaugural Innovation & Sustainability Practitioner in Residence at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles. He also serves in an advisory capacity to several leading organizations, including on the Sustainability Advisory Council of Novo Nordisk, Europe's largest publicly listed company.

INSIGHT + ANALYSIS

ENERGY BRIEFS

  • windfarm

    Wind Energy Development and Repowering Economics: Case Study on Minnesota

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  • Trees showing carbon emissions

    The Current State of Global Carbon Tax Implementation

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  • wind farm

    Measuring the Cost of Electricity in the World of Energy Transition 

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STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

  • Members of the Marshall Energy & Sustainability club showing 'Fight On!'

    Marshall Energy & Sustainability Club

    MESC exists to support Marshall graduate students pursuing business roles revolving around energy, clean-tech, and sustainability across a wide range of industries. MORE

"USC's commitment to innovation in energy initiatives is a beacon of progress. We don't just lead; we shape, adapt, and redefine the future of energy transition. Our commitment to being the forerunners of new initiatives sets us apart."

Calvin Man, USC Marshall Student

Darpan Kapadia, COO of LS Power, met with undergraduate students to discuss current and future trends for the global energy transition. The event also marked the founding of the new undergraduate student club, Business of Energy Club.

"USC offers its students the unique opportunity to learn about tackling the energy transition from diverse industry perspectives. It was great to hear Mr. Treitz speak with us about his work in carbon capture & storage and discuss the upcoming challenges and opportunities in achieving carbon neutrality."

Lauren Segal

Justin Treitz, Senior Manager Carbon Solutions, California Resources Corporation, Carbon Terra Vault LLC spoke to students about carbon capture and sequestration.

"Southern California Edison's Pathway 2045 inspires USC students to pursue careers in renewable energy and sustainability, shaping the future of the energy sector." 

Nick Balas, MBA Candidate '25

Contact

If you are interested in learning more about the energy transition, please EMAIL us.