Environmental Governance & Political Economy (EGAPE) Lab: Decentralised Services Research

Using quantitative and spatial data, I built scenario forecasts to simulate outcomes of different infrastructure strategies. For example, I created models to compare the impact on energy access and affordability if investment were to flow to small-scale solar grids versus centralised power plants. These models incorporated regulatory, fiscal, and environmental variables to help anticipate risks and identify which approaches could most benefit underserved communities. The forecasting work was complemented by qualitative research – including interviews and workshops with local officials, energy cooperatives, and residents, to ground the numbers in real-life experiences. This mixed-methods approach aligns with my approach to product research, which combines data analytics with human perspectives to gain a comprehensive view.

Our findings at EGAPE fed into policy briefs and strategic guidance for government and nonprofit partners. We highlighted that without true local decision-making power, nominal “decentralisation” can end up recentralizing control in new ways; for instance, if technical expertise or funding remains concentrated at the centre. I co-authored frameworks that suggest how to delegate authority and resources more effectively to the local level, leveraging open data and inclusive governance tools. This experience not only deepened my expertise in energy and climate policy but also provided transferable skills in systems thinking and service design. Today, when I map out user journeys or organisational processes in a tech setting, I draw on the same systems mapping mindset developed at EGAPE to ensure we account for every stakeholder and feedback loop.