Who Is Right about Nuclear Energy?
Meet economics major Maxwell J.D. VanLandschoot.
Hometown: Denver, Colorado
Thesis adviser: Noelwah Netusil [economics]
Thesis: “Surveying Risk Perceptions of Nuclear Energy in the Pacific Northwest”
What it’s about: Seeking to understand, through a representative survey, the risk perceptions adults in the Pacific Northwest have about nuclear energy. I ask what, if any, characteristics and demographics influence or are correlated with risk perceptions in order to better understand our contemporary policy landscape.
What it’s really about: Which people are wrong about nuclear energy and why? (This was also an excuse to collect and play with survey data.)
In high school: I was the secretary general of our Model UN team, editor of our school paper, and stuttered my way through two Mock Trial state championships.
Influential class: Prof. Noelwah Netusil was my guiding light through ²Ø»¨¸óÖ±²¥. She pushed me, showed me how to use economics for good, and helped me navigate too many catastrophes to count.
Influential book: Open by Prof. Kim Clausing.
Concept that blew my mind: Many of the most significant issues (climate change, war, incarceration, etc.) affecting the world might be resolved if we could capture and appropriately price-in externalities.
Cool stuff: I was a reactor operator and mentor at the ²Ø»¨¸óÖ±²¥ Research Reactor, president of the Finance and Investment Club, a disability advocate for people with speech impediments and stutters (like me!), started the ²Ø»¨¸óÖ±²¥ Chapter of the American Nuclear Society, captained the CFA Challenge team, and wrote for the Quest.
Challenges faced: Between the pandemic, 2020 election, fires, protests, global conflict, economic uncertainty, and a tree falling through my room, I am just happy I made it through in one piece.
How ²Ø»¨¸óÖ±²¥ changed me: ²Ø»¨¸óÖ±²¥ made me more curious, made me acknowledge and appreciate who I really am.
Awards: A data science fellowship to work with Prof. Kelly McConville at Harvard, economics research fellowship, summer internship award to study the economic impact of COVID-19 on a small Washington city, and Undergaduate Statistics Class Project winner.
What’s next: Working with international research groups and traveling, then heading off to grad school.