Meet GCC's Summer 2023 Research Assistants

Training the next generation of climate policy lawyers and leaders is a central part of GCC’s mission, and the Center is elevated by the new perspectives, diligent work, and passionate spirit of the Georgetown students who contribute to our team. We are thrilled to welcome our Research Assistants for this summer, listed below.

“We are delighted to welcome these accomplished students to our team for the summer. Their insights and their energy is always valuable to our work, and we are especially grateful for their contributions at this pivotal moment for climate action,” said GCC Executive Director Kate Zyla.

Research Assistant positions at GCC provide Georgetown students with valuable opportunities to engage in research and support our team in their work on environmental policy. Through their contributions, they gain firsthand experience in the environmental field and help shape climate solutions at the crucial nexus of state and federal policymaking. Our Summer 2023 Research Assistants are:

Aidan Bassett (he/they) is a student at Georgetown University Law Center from Eugene, Oregon, and currently works as a Research Assistant for the Mitigation Program at the Georgetown Climate Center. Previously, he earned a B.A. in Economics from University of California, Berkeley, worked as a data analyst at a public defender’s office through AmeriCorps, and worked as a media coordinator on a congressional campaign. Aidan also currently works as the Media Co-Chair of Law Students for Climate Accountability, and he intends to pursue a career in climate policy and government upon graduating from law school. Aidan enjoys trail running, hiking, the Pacific Northwest, ABBA, and Joni Mitchell.

 Kathryn Blanco (she/her) is a Transportation and Healthcare Research Assistant at the Georgetown Climate Center, where she is currently working on a report on transportation emissions and equitable solutions in the healthcare sector. Prior to her work at GCC, she engaged in organizing and policy research for zoning reform, affordable housing, and equitable, transit-oriented communities as a Policy Fellow at Desegregate Connecticut. Kathryn graduated from Georgetown University with a BA in English, minoring in Government and Environmental Studies, and is currently earning her JD at Georgetown Law with a focus in public interest environmental law.

 Gigi Friedman (she/her) is a Research Assistant for the Adaptation Program at the Georgetown Climate Center. Prior to joining the Adaptation Program, Gigi held an internship at the Georgetown University Earth Commons Institute, where she launched research projects surrounding U.S. and international energy policies. Gigi is currently pursuing a B.S. in Foreign Service at Georgetown University, where she studies Science, Technology, and International Affairs and minors in Environmental Studies. 

  Ambalika Khanna (she/her) is a Research Assistant for the Mitigation Program at the Georgetown Climate Center. She is also pursuing a Master's in Public Policy at Georgetown University. Prior to graduate school, Ambalika has worked in international development. Her work has primarily focused on the theme of evidence-based policy action across a wide range of policy areas, including climate and energy policy.

 Connor Kolet (he/him) is a 3L at Georgetown University Law Center from Wheaton, Illinois, and a Research Assistant for the Adaptation Program at the Georgetown Climate Center. Previously, he earned a B.A. in Political Science from Ohio State University, graduating magna cum laude. Before joining the Georgetown Climate Center, Connor externed for Judge Roy C. Whitehead at the Maricopa County Superior Court. Connor enjoys college football, cycling, and Ethiopian food.

 Anna Reid (she/her) is a Research Assistant for the Communications Team at the Georgetown Climate Center Communications Department and is currently pursuing her J.D. at the Georgetown University Law Center. Born and raised in Yellowstone National Park, Anna earned a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Montana prior to coming to law school and is currently involved with the Georgetown Environmental Law Society and The Disabled Law Students Association as a member of the executive board.

GCC is accepting applications for Fall 2023 Research Assistants. Applications should be submitted by July 31. Learn more about the positions and how to apply.