Adam O'Neill (class of 2010)

Enrollment in the BDIC program has been the best academic experience of my life.

Now, as a senior with a concentration entitled, "Environmental Economics and Entrepreneurship," I am both experienced in, and committed to, addressing the complex challenges of energy system change.

Throughout my BDIC studies, I have focused on energy issues.  I have researched and written extensively on policies, regulations, breakthrough technologies and innovative business models and last year, received two entrepreneurship awards.  I have become particularly interested in system-improving technologies, such as Smart Grid, which will foster marketable innovation and create jobs across many sectors while fomenting significant overall improvements in the energy industry and reducing carbon emissions. 

 In pursuit of this interest and with my desire to contribute in an international capacity, I spent this past spring in Beijing as a research analyst intern with the Joint U.S. China Cooperation on Clean Energy (JUCCCE).  While there, I began conducting an economic feasibility study for Smart Grid development in China.  I am continuing that study, this semester, helping JUCCCE with the development of its online "Energy Blueprint for Action" forum, and have been asked to serve on an expert panel for a start-up called, sofarsoGREEN.com.  I am also working with a team of students to help a local solar service provider hone its business plan and marketing strategy while helping them prepare for the uncertain future of state subsidies.

The BDIC program has challenged me to think critically about my education, make strategic plans and decisions with both short and long-term implications, hone my organizational skills, clarify my goals, and has encouraged me to embrace courses across a range of disciplines.  And perhaps most importantly, the BDIC program has helped me develop as a person.  It has enabled me to be my own best advocate, to approach professors and professionals with my ideas and to build relationships with many remarkable and outstanding people.

 The skills, knowledge, and contacts from my BDIC experience will serve me well as I head out into a "life with individual concentration."

I have been solely responsible for the costs of my tuition and expenses and am grateful for the high value I've recieved from this program.

Recommend:  UMass Amherst Entrepreneurship Initiative

phone: 617-470-6934

email: adamjoneill1@gmail.com

Blog: www.bgprolog.com 

On: Linkedin & Facebook

Twitter: @adamoneill