Swad Sathe is a Research Associate at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University SIPA, where he focuses on researching the nexus between trade and energy. He also provides operational support, including project management and strategic communications, for the Trade and Clean Energy Transition Initiative. He most recently was a Climate Intern at the Niskanen Center in Washington D.C., where he conducted research and wrote articles on permitting reform, transmission expansion, and geothermal energy.
A master’s graduate in International Affairs from the George Washington University, Swad specialized in energy and environmental policy, which culminated in a capstone project on incorporating critical minerals into the USMCA. While in D.C., he also had internships with Observer Research Foundation America, a think tank specializing in U.S. – India relations, and the Climate Leadership Council, a think tank focused on market-based solutions to reduce global emissions.
Swad has a background in fintech, having worked at Sezzle, an alternate payments platform, for over four years. He led Strategic Partnerships at the Minneapolis-based startup, where he forged relationships with over 100 technology and platform partners, expanding the company’s presence in the eCommerce space. He also led CSR efforts, including Sezzle’s B Corp recertification process.
Swad also holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Minnesota – Twin-Cities.
