Kane Alexander

I have been a research consultant with Climate Compatible Growth (CCG) since 2022 and also spent a period as a research assistant at Imperial College London. During my time in this role, I have been involved in many great events and projects, the most notable being our Energy Modelling Platforms (EMPs). Since joining I have become the lead trainer for Climate-Land-Energy-Water systems (CLEWs) modelling, a framework that we utilise through the OSeMOSYS least-cost optimisation tool. We host events in all corners of the world, and I have been lucky enough to visit countries such as Brazil, to train up people from all backgrounds. As well as this I have been involved in coordinating research funds and was also lucky enough to visit COP28 in Dubai in 2023 to help with our own events.

I was fortunate enough to undertake a master’s programme at Loughborough in Climate Change, Politics and Policy. This is where I was first exposed to OSeMOSYS and CLEWs Modelling, as they made up one of the modules (and still do today). This is where I was able to meet people from CCG, as they supported the module and provided some of us with an opportunity to go to Trieste, Italy. Although this is a unique case, it highlights the opportunities that doing a master’s degree at Loughborough can provide, further highlighted by my work with CCG and the places I have been able to visit since.

Having done my undergraduate degree in Geography at Loughborough, I saw no better place to study a Master’s. I always enjoyed the campus, the atmosphere around and the many great lecturers who taught me. I found that during my Master’s, my lecturers became a key to my success and really supported my progression.

This may sound cliché, but I would tell any student to knuckle down and work as hard as you can. When you do this, opportunities will arise and you should seize them when you can, as they may open doors to the future and/or provide experiences you will remember forever. I found it difficult to find time to apply to jobs before completing my Master’s, however I would recommend looking as early as you can as it is becoming more competitive each year. As well as this, I would look to create contacts and network with people, as this can really help you get to where you want to be.