Baruch Professor Gang He Receives CUNY Research Award

July 2, 2026

Gang He, PhD, won the 2026 Sandi Cooper Award presented by the CUNY Academy to associate professors in recognition of outstanding research in the humanities or sciences, including social and life sciences.

Dr. He’s research focuses on energy transition, climate policy, clean energy supply chains, and pathways to achieving net-zero emissions. A faculty member at the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs, He has been recognized on Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% Scientists List and named both a Fellow of the Public Intellectuals Program of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, and an Energy Innovation Policy and Management Scholar by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation.

A member of the CUNY Climate Change Consortium, He has published in leading scientific journals such as Nature and Energy Policy, and his research has been reported by Scientific American, National Geographic, among others.

In an interview, He spoke about his research and the energy field.

Tell us about your focus.

My research examines how societies can accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy while improving the sustainability, resilience, and justice of such unprecedented transition. I use large-scale data, systems and economic modeling, and policy analysis to understand how decisions about energy infrastructure, manufacturing, and climate policy shape environmental outcomes, economic development, and community well-being.

What was your inspiration?

Growing up in China during a period of rapid economic growth and environmental change, I witnessed firsthand both the benefits of development and the costs of pollution. Later, while attending several United Nations climate conferences, I observed both the urgency of climate action and the complexity of international negotiations. Those experiences motivated me to pursue research that explores pathways to deliver clean energy, economic prosperity, and climate solutions.

What makes your approach unique?

Energy challenges are inherently interdisciplinary. A solar panel, an electric vehicle, or a power plant is not just a technology—it is also connected to markets, supply chains, public policy, and communities. My work brings together engineering, economics, public policy, and environmental science to better understand not only how technologies perform, but also how policies, markets, and communities shape the outcomes of the energy transition.

How does your research address today’s most pressing challenges?

Around the world, governments and businesses are making major investments in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and resilient infrastructure. Global investment in the energy transition reached a record $2.3 trillion in 2025, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance. At the same time, geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and extreme weather events are creating new challenges. My research helps decision-makers understand which strategies can reduce emissions, strengthen economic competitiveness, improve energy security, and build more resilient communities.

How are students involved in your projects?

Students play an important role in my research program. They participate in data collection and analysis, policy research, modeling, and stakeholder engagement, through which they gain firsthand experience tackling real-world energy and climate challenges.

What skills do they acquire??

Students learn how to analyze complex problems using both quantitative and qualitative methods. They gain experience working with large datasets, evaluating public policies, and communicating evidence to diverse audiences. Most importantly, they learn how to work across disciplines and translate research into practical solutions.

Where do you see the field heading in the next 10–20 years?

The energy transition is moving so quickly that predictions often become outdated within a few years, if not months. Still, I expect clean electricity, electrification, energy storage, and artificial intelligence to fundamentally reshape energy systems worldwide. The next phase will be less about proving that clean technologies work and more about building the infrastructure, supply chains, and institutions needed to deploy them at scale while ensuring reliability, affordability, and resilience.

What’s next?

I am currently leading projects on clean energy manufacturing, global supply chains, climate resilience, and power system transition. I am particularly interested in understanding how energy transitions can create economic opportunities while strengthening resilience in an increasingly uncertain world. Beyond publishing research, I look forward to continuing to engage with policymakers, students, and the public on these important issues.