Funding the future

Finding ways to improve Earth’s environment is a daunting task. Benjamin Weiser, ’22, started by addressing one cause: energy policy. He now seeks out how to finance environmentally friendly infrastructure in cities.

A research analyst at the Nowak Metro Finance Lab with Drexel University, Weiser tackles a daily checklist ranging from studying development projects in different cities to figuring out ways for small businesses to grow. His experience in infrastructure policy is the result of internships he completed as an undergraduate.

He interned twice for U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia, once with his 2020 campaign and once with his office the following summer. Weiser engaged with the constituents and local legislators that Ossoff served. Most importantly, he witnessed how public policy created tangible results. This became the model Weiser uses today.

“Public policy is the mechanism behind which you turn legislation into action, and you turn a message from a campaign into an actionable program,” Weiser said.

Weiser values his current focus in energy policy, but he doesn’t stick to one field. As a generalist, he uses his skills and knowledge to address a variety of issues. Besides the energy sphere, he sees connections between infrastructure, education, and housing. Considering one means talking about the others. Even if the possibilities are intimidating, he knows he just has to take it one step at a time.

“The most rewarding part of my work has always been being able to see an impact,” he said. “[I’m] excited to continue in this space, see where different opportunities potentially arise, and continue learning through the journey.”