Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

JIAJIA(JESSICA) WANG

Intern
CHAMPAIGN, IL

Summary

Sustainability researcher with expertise in carbon assessment and nature-based solutions. Led state-wide analysis shaping climate policies and mobilizing $627M investments. Skilled in Python, GIS, and data-driven environmental frameworks. Published researcher seeking to advance GenZero's global decarbonization goals.

Overview

2
2
years of professional experience

Work History

Research Assistant, LEAM Laboratory

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
09.2023 - Current
  • Led state-wide carbon emission analysis using Python and GIS, shaping three state climate policies to cut emissions by 50-52% and attract $627M in private investments.
  • Partnered with the National University of Singapore and KTH to develop urban carbon models and a deep learning platform, advancing carbon-neutral planning across metropolitan regions.

Research Assistant, Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC)

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
09.2023 - 09.2024
  • Enabled $1M in infrastructure investments by enhancing energy efficiency and water management strategies for state and federal governments, aligning with IPCC Guidelines.
  • Developed 7 metrics for federal reports, optimizing resource utilization through data-driven solutions.

Assistant Planner (Intern)

China Academy of Urban Planning & Design
06.2024 - 07.2024
  • Built carbon accounting systems with remote sensing and cloud computing, boosting accuracy tenfold and driving ¥1.04B in sustainable infrastructure.
  • Advised zero-carbon city initiatives with Tsinghua University, cutting projected emissions by 80% and enhancing urban resilience.

Research Specialist

Harvard University & City of Silves, Portugal
07.2022 - 09.2022
  • Led geospatial analysis for UNESCO Geopark Algarvensis (1,381 km²), integrating geological, hydrological, and cultural datasets using GIS technologies.
  • Coordinated 5 multidisciplinary teams in data collection and analysis, standardizing methodologies, and presenting findings to municipal leadership.

Education

Ph.D. - Sustainability Studies

University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL
04.2001 -

Master in Sustainable Studies - Sustainable Studies

Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
04.2001 -

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture - Sustainable Studies

University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL
04.2001 -

Skills

    Sustainable Infrastructure Planning & Financing

    Multilateral Environments Project Management

    Python, R, LLM, Remote Sensing, ArcGIS

Accomplishments

    University of Illinois Global Intersections: Student Research and Project Grants, Dec 2024.

    Harvard Paul M. Hefferman International Travel Award, Jun 2022.

    National American Society of Landscape Architecture (ASLA) Student Merit Award, April 2020.

    Wadsworth Business Scholarship, May 2019.

Timeline

Assistant Planner (Intern)

China Academy of Urban Planning & Design
06.2024 - 07.2024

Research Assistant, LEAM Laboratory

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
09.2023 - Current

Research Assistant, Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC)

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
09.2023 - 09.2024

Research Specialist

Harvard University & City of Silves, Portugal
07.2022 - 09.2022

Ph.D. - Sustainability Studies

University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
04.2001 -

Master in Sustainable Studies - Sustainable Studies

Harvard University
04.2001 -

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture - Sustainable Studies

University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
04.2001 -
JIAJIA(JESSICA) WANGIntern