Michelle Graff

Michele Graff is an Assistant Professor at the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy, part of Georgia Institute of Technology's Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts. Her research focuses on energy policy, climate justice, and administrative barriers in social welfare programs. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on environmental policy and politics.

Her work examines spatial disparities in energy assistance access, the intersection of housing costs and energy burdens, and the impacts of utility disconnection policies. Graff advocates for equitable energy transition frameworks and has analyzed how the pandemic exacerbated energy insecurity among marginalized groups.

Key themes in her research include racial disparities in energy access, the design of effective energy assistance programs, and leveraging interdisciplinary methods to address climate policy challenges. Her articles highlight systemic issues like asset tests reducing program participation and propose solutions to reduce administrative burdens.

While no formal awards are listed, her contributions to energy justice research have informed policy discussions on federal and state levels. Graff collaborates with stakeholders to bridge academic research and practical implementation, emphasizing the need for data-driven approaches to energy inequities.