Helenka Hopkins Nolan

Helenka Hopkins Nolan is a Lecturer in the Department of International Business & Strategy at the D'Amore-McKim School of Business, Northeastern University. She teaches courses on international business with a focus on energy, climate, and leadership. Her academic and professional work bridges sustainability, renewable energy, and strategic business performance.

Education:

• BA in Architecture, Columbia University
• MBA in Strategy, University of Alabama / Georgetown University

Her research interests center on sustainability in business, particularly the financial implications of renewable energy adoption and carbon offsetting strategies. She investigates how sustainable practices influence corporate performance and competitive advantage in global markets, with a strong emphasis on ethical leadership and energy transition.

The available publication highlights her focus on the relationship between renewable energy use and firm financial outcomes, reflecting a broader trend in sustainable finance and ESG integration in business decision-making.

Scientific Awards:

• Outstanding Teaching, University of Alabama
• Culverhouse Sustainability Grant, University of Alabama

Nolan has extensive industry experience in energy project development and strategic planning. She has served as an independent consultant for two decades, advising firms on monetizing carbon sequestration and advancing clean energy strategies. Currently, she advises startups at Greentown Labs, contributing to innovation in the sustainability sector. While formal student advising is not detailed, her mentorship of startups and active engagement in academic and community initiatives reflect a strong commitment to education and leadership development.

She is actively involved in research dissemination, having presented at institutions such as Stanford University and Copenhagen Business School, and at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Her work promotes interdisciplinary collaboration between business, environment, and policy domains.