Tristan Brown

Tristan Brown is an Associate Professor of Energy Resource Economics at the Department of Sustainable Resources Management, SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry (ESF). He also serves as Director of the Bioeconomy Development Institute at ESF since 2021. His academic journey includes a PhD in Biorenewable Resources & Technology from Iowa State University (2014), a JD from the University of Missouri (2008), and a BA in Political Science from the University of Iowa (2005).

His research focuses on sustainable energy law & policy, bioenergy systems analysis, techno-economic analysis, and climate policy. He has led numerous grants totaling over $2 million, including projects on carbon-negative distillate fuels, stochastic techno-economic modeling of bioenergy systems, and evaluating carbon abatement pathways.

Brown advises graduate students in Sustainable Energy and Forest Resources Management. His work integrates technical, economic, and policy dimensions to advance renewable energy systems and climate mitigation strategies. He co-leads the EcoWillow project and contributes to the Syracuse Center of Excellence.

Recent publications highlight his expertise in bioenergy supply chains, biochar economics, and the financial feasibility of biomass-based energy systems. His research bridges academic analysis with practical policy recommendations for sustainable energy transitions.