Dr. Melissa C. Lott is the Director of Research and a Senior Research Scholar at Columbia University’s SIPA Center on Global Energy Policy. She currently serves as a member of the United Nations Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition (CEET) and the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on the Future of Economics of Equitable Transition.

Dr. Lott has worked as an engineer and advisor for nearly 20 years in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Her work focuses on increasing our understanding of the impacts of energy systems on climate change and public health. She applies this understanding to help decision-makers mobilize solutions to support the transition to net-zero. Dr. Lott has authored hundreds of publications and been featured in media outlets including the New York Times, PBS, the BBC World Service, The Guardian, Good Morning America, National Public Radio, and the Wall Street Journal. She currently hosts The Big Switch podcast.

Dr. Lott previously served in roles at the Asia Pacific Energy Research Centre, International Energy Agency, and the U.S. Department of Energy. She holds degrees from the UC Davis (B.S.), UT Austin (M.S. and MPAff), and University College London (Ph.D.).