To address the learning needs for early- to mid-career policy professionals who seek to build their knowledge and skills related to recent policy changes with climate and sustainability implications, Duke Continuing Studies and Duke in DC launched the Duke in DC Climate and Sustainability Summer Institute in the summer of 2023. This two-week, non-credit-bearing certificate course brought together five Duke faculty members, one graduate student teaching assistant, and 13 adult learners from a variety of policy-focused organizations in Washington, DC for twice-weekly classes. Duke faculty members who taught sessions were as follows:
- Brian McAdoo, Associate Professor of Earth and Climate Science, Nicholas School of the Environment;
- Elizabeth Losos, Executive in Residence, Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability; Adjunct Professor, Nicholas School of the Environment;
- Brian Murray, Interim Director, Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability; Research Professor, Nicholas School of the Environment and Sanford School of Public Policy ;
- Nico Hotz, Associate Professor of the Practice, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Pratt School of Engineering; and
- Norbert Wilson, Director, World Food Policy Center; Professor of Food, Economics, and Community, Duke Divinity School and Sanford School of Public Policy.
Class sessions included lectures, discussions, and group work on topics including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, CHIPS and Science Act, and the Farm Bill. At the conclusion of the course, learners earned a Duke University-issued certificate. Duke in DC hosted a networking reception for learners, and invited Duke alumni and prospective students in the Washington, DC, area.