John Cornwell is Director of Policy and Research at Good Energy Collective, where he leads research and policy initiatives focused on responsible nuclear energy deployment. With over twelve years of experience working on energy and climate policy across government, academic, and nonprofit sectors, his expertise spans policy analysis, program evaluation, and research design. His work focuses on developing evidence-based frameworks for nuclear deployment that emphasize rigorous analysis and community benefits. He is dedicated to ensuring policy development is grounded in objective research to support decision-makers in advancing responsible deployment of nuclear energy, which will play a critical role in achieving deep decarbonization and an equitable clean energy transition.

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Prior to joining Good Energy Collective, John served as Associate Director at Columbia University's Carbontech Development Initiative, where he managed a $15M program focused on commercializing emerging carbon removal technologies. He developed comprehensive research strategies examining non-technical deployment barriers and led curriculum development integrating community-centered approaches for carbon removal entrepreneurs.

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As Senior Policy Analyst at the Oregon Department of Energy, John led major clean energy policy initiatives and research programs, including spearheading technical analysis for the state's landmark Clean Energy Standard legislation. He managed the Oregon Renewable Energy Siting Assessment, a comprehensive research initiative combining GIS analysis, technical modeling, and policy research to develop frameworks for responsible renewable energy deployment.

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From 2012 to 2020, John worked in various research and evaluation roles, specializing in mixed-methods analysis of energy programs and policies. At the University of Texas at Austin, he managed federal research projects including the SolSmart Program evaluation and the Solar Energy Evolution and Diffusion Studies (SEEDS), developing innovative quantitative methods to analyze market transformation and technology adoption patterns. At Evergreen Economics, he led evaluations of major energy initiatives including California's Electric Program Investment Charge, the Federal Better Buildings Program, and numerous state and utility efficiency programs, combining econometric analysis, survey research, and qualitative research methods to assess program impacts and inform policy development.

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At Good Energy Collective, John directs research initiatives that advance evidence-based approaches to nuclear energy deployment. He manages the organization's policy research portfolio, leads engagement efforts with diverse stakeholders, and develops frameworks for community-centered technology deployment. He is passionate about ensuring that research translates into practical policy solutions that promote both technological innovation and community benefits.

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John holds a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor's in Economics and Politics from Willamette University. 

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When not immersed in energy policy and research, John enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest's hiking trails with his dog Tupelo, living and dying with every Portland Thorns match, and experimenting with new cooking techniques.

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