Meet New Faculty: Ellen Morris

Ellen Morris is the president of Sustainable Energy Solutions, a consulting company that focuses on policy analysis, international development, and research on energy and finance issues. She has spent 20 years working with energy and sustainability in the public and nonprofit sectors.

What do you study?

My area of expertise is energy and development, with a particular focus on end-user finance and local enterprise creation in developing countries.

As president and founder of a consulting company called Sustainable Energy Solutions, I’ve worked extensively in international development, policy analysis, and research on energy and finance issues for national governments, development agencies, foundations, and the private sector. I am also currently working on the launch of new company, called Embark, that will be a web-based portal for aspiring energy entrepreneurs who will be able to access training, finance, and clean energy products.

What do you teach?

I teach a course entitled Energy, Business, and Economic Development (U6042), and I also lead Capstone Workshops on Energy and Development in Africa and Latin America. The focus of my courses is energy enterprise development as a means for economic development and poverty reduction, with an emphasis on the policies, technologies, and business models in emerging economies.

What do you consider today’s most pressing global issue?

One of today’s leading issues is the role of emerging economies relative to the use and management of natural resources. This means pursuing economic development in line with environmental protection while addressing the concerns of local and multi-national businesses. Because energy and the environment are intimately connected to society's productivity and sustainability, it’s essential that we properly protect, develop and manage our natural assets.

What professional achievement are you most proud of?

I believe that my work with SIPA students over the years has helped to cultivate a new generation of practitioners who are committed to solving the world’s environmental and development challenges. Through my courses and as an academic advisor to many students, a large number have gone on to pursue careers and become leaders in clean energy.

Furthermore, I have been instrumental in shaping and enhancing the energy program at SIPA by expanding it to include Sustainable Energy Policy, which was launched in 2010 and has become one of the most popular programs at the school. The new track focuses on national and global policies aimed at ensuring a sustainable energy into the future and that pays special attention to small-scale energy production.

Why do you teach at SIPA?

I teach at SIPA because I believe in the holistic approach we use in tackling environmental and energy issues that covers everything from sustainability, economics, development, technologies, business models, management, policies, and regulatory frameworks in the context of national, international, and regional issues.

Moreover, the SIPA students and the faculty are one of the most important reasons for teaching here. SIPA attracts highly qualified and dedicated faculty as well as talented and motivated students who come from around the world, which make it a great place to work.