Kathleen Kennedy

Kathleen Kennedy is an Assistant Research Professor at the Center for Global Sustainability (CGS) at the University of Maryland. Her work focuses on macro-energy systems, energy transition strategies, and climate policy, particularly emphasizing equity and sustainability. She holds a PhD in Materials Science from Caltech (2021) and a BS in Materials Science & Engineering from Columbia University (2016). Her research integrates technical, policy, and socio-economic analyses to advance subnational and global climate actions.

Key projects include the Subnational Climate Ambition Program, analyzing state-level climate initiatives and their co-benefits for health and equity. She co-authored reports on Maryland’s greenhouse gas reduction spending and renewable energy transitions, emphasizing equitable infrastructure access and circular economy approaches. Her interdisciplinary collaborations span energy modeling, policy design, and international climate diplomacy, particularly in Indonesia and China.

Dr. Kennedy’s publications highlight policy pathways for decarbonization, hydrogen economy equity, and the role of electrification in achieving carbon neutrality. She contributes to global efforts like the U.S.-China methane collaboration and Indonesia’s coal phaseout strategies. Her work underscores the intersection of climate science, policy, and community impact.