Chris is a recent graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, where he earned an M.S. in Energy and Earth Resources.  While at UT-Austin, Chris also served as a senior associate at the Austin Technology Incubator where he worked with deep-tech startups tackling issues in climate and energy.  He also worked at the Gulf Coast Carbon Center, where he conducted research on carbon capture and storage (CCUS) deployment.  He earned his B.A. in Economics from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2019 with minors in International Development and Business Analytics.  Prior to graduate school, he served as a consultant and analyst in Colorado, working with utilities, energy commissions and private entities on energy systems transformation.

As a Fulbright Fellow, Chris will research the development of new energy technologies and policies to inform pathways for sustainable fuel in Greece. The Fulbright experience is providing him with a unique opportunity to collaborate with leading research consortiums in the field and strengthen his understanding of energy and climate issues at a regional scale in Greece. With the support of the Athena Research Center, Chris will engage with local communities, policymakers, and energy companies to conduct techno-economic analysis and qualitative research surrounding clean energy transition policy in Greece. He will also work with energy startups affiliated with accelerator programs through the Athena Research Center. Chris enjoys staying active by trail running, backpacking, and boxing. He also enjoys playing the piano and cooking to unwind after work. He is eager to practice his Greek, attend music and cultural events in Athens, and master Greek recipes.

Madison is a recent graduate of Salisbury University, where she earned two B.A. degrees in Environmental Studies and International Relations.  While at Salisbury, Madison served as the Director of Sustainability for the Student Government Association and Treasurer of Phi Sigma Iota Foreign Language Honor Society, was active in and around her campus community through various environmental and service organizations, and conducted research on various community environmental issues throughout her undergraduate career.  

As a Fulbright scholar, Madison will study the interconnectedness of science and policy in the role of minimizing microplastics distribution and accumulation in Greek surface waters.  With the support of the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research and the University of the Aegean, Madison will observe current studies being conducted, combine scientific knowledge with what science tells us about the policy interventions that are necessary for confronting the microplastics crisis, then utilize the information to compile the scientific methodologies and practices from the lab with the studies she analyzed to produce a realistic science-policy interface.

The goal of Madison's research is to create a report that can be utilized in real-world applications of microplastics science, policy, and management and fill a part of the many gaps within the development of microplastics research. In her spare time, Madison enjoys playing basketball, fishing, exercising, and exploring new places. She is looking forward to working with children in Greece through basketball clinics and finding the hidden gems along Greece's coasts. She is also very excited to learn the Greek language and trying all of the delicious Greek delicacies.

Wrenn is a Water Scientist from Virginia, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Lynchburg.  After graduating, she worked as a GIS Technician, as a researcher on renewable energy desalination projects, and as an AmeriCorps member collecting data on a river in the Sierra Nevada region of California.  She most recently went on to complete a Master of Science in Water Science, Policy and Management from the University of Oxford.  

For her Fulbright in Greece, Wrenn will be working with the Microbial Ecology Lab at the University of Ioannina to study the water quality and management practices throughout the Aoos River Basin. The Aoos River Basin is one of the most biodiverse regions of Greece; it is home to almost all of Greece’s endangered and threated mammals as well as aquatic life found only in this region. The Aoos River begins in the Northern Pindus National Park where it is ecologically protected from development. Wrenn will be gathering data on the Aoos in the section inside of the National Park and compare this data to the unprotected stretch of the river where human and agricultural use influence water quality. This data will provide a scientific basis for calls from national and international organizations, including the IUCN, to elevate the protection status of the entire Aoos and its tributaries. Wrenn looks forward to exploring the region’s outdoor opportunities, building Greek language skills, and learning more about Greek culture.