Congratulations to Matilyn Bindl for being awarded the 2024-25 George Bunn Distinguished Graduate Fellowship! This award is made possible through an endowment from UW–Madison law professor George Bunn (1925–2013), who helped found EAP in 1980. Every few years, the Bunn Fellowship allows an outstanding EAP student to receive an academic year of financial support towards their education and research. We interviewed Matilyn to learn more about her background, research and work during undergrad, and current projects in grad school!
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Rockford, Illinois — birthplace of the sock monkey and home to the Rockford Peaches baseball team! I’ve been living in Madison for 8 years now, but I still travel back to Rockford often as I’m very close with my family.
What were you doing before starting your studies at UW-Madison?
As a long-time Badger, it’s hard to remember a time before UW-Madison! I’ve been at the university for over 8 years now — starting as an undergraduate student and researcher in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, continuing as a post-bachelor air quality researcher at the Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment (SAGE), and now working towards my PhD in Environment and Resources as a graduate student. During my time here, I’ve also had the opportunity to serve as a program coordinator for Science-A-Thon, an annual science communication event created by EAP Program Chair Tracey Holloway that ran from 2017 to 2021.
What drew you to UW-Madison and the EAP program?
Engagement with EAP faculty and students has largely shaped my experience at UW-Madison, both professionally and personally. My connection to EAP predates my graduate career, starting with the relationships I established as an undergraduate researcher in Tracey Holloway’s air quality research group. Through attending EAP-sponsored public events with former graduate research colleagues who were EAP students, I was able to engage in discussions surrounding energy and policy issues. My interest in conducting policy-relevant research grew from this involvement to frame some of my later undergraduate research projects and eventually influenced my decision to pursue a PhD in Environment and Resources and certificate in Energy Analysis and Policy at UW-Madison.
What is your favorite part about EAP?
My favorite part about the EAP program is its close-knit and interdisciplinary community. I’m always impressed by the ever-growing network of EAP alumni who remain engaged in the program and are excited to connect current students to careers and other opportunities.
Can you describe your current research?
My research with EAP faculty member and public policy professor Morgan Edwards uses integrated assessment models — computer models that combine global systems like water, land, climate, economics, and energy — to explore the potential impacts of carbon dioxide removal (CDR).
Some level of CDR will be necessary in the future to meet climate policy goals, but these approaches are currently in the early stages of development and are highly uncertain. My goal is to understand the role of CDR in preventing severe climate change, identify barriers for scaling these approaches, and find opportunities for energy and climate policy.
Tell us one unique thing about you that few people know?
I’m a huge fan of the a capella group Pentatonix! Their music always puts me in a good mood, but especially during the holiday season.
Any post-graduation aspirations you would like to share? Dream job?
I’m still early on in my post-graduation job exploration process so am very open-minded! I’ve always loved the idea of conducting climate and energy research at a national lab like NASA, but ultimately, I’m passionate about doing policy-relevant work that is impactful and fulfilling — wherever that leads me!
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Congratulations again Matilyn! Looking forward to seeing where your career takes you after you graduate!