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2026 Summer Cohort
The 2026 Emerging Policy Scholars Summer Cohort highlights selected early-career scholars whose work contributes to policy research, scholarly engagement, and public dialogue. This page archives each scholar’s research focus, featured abstract, and recognition materials.
Andrew (Daye) Zhai
Ph.D. Student, Duke University
Nicholas School of the Environment / Sanford School of Public Policy
Research Fields
Environmental Policy; Agricultural Insurance; Water Quality; Sustainability
Featured Research
The moral hazard—environmental externalities dilemma in subsidized crop insurance: Evidence from water quality in China
Co-authored with Yanghan Lin and Ziwei Ye
Research Summary
This study examines how different crop insurance designs shape farmers’ behavior and affect agricultural water pollution in China.
Resources
View Abstract PDF | View Certificate | View Bio
Paula J. Sarmiento
Ph.D. Candidate, Duke University
Nicholas School of the Environment / Sanford School of Public Policy
Research Fields
Impacts of conservation & restoration policies, Livelihoods & Natural Resources
Featured Research
Forest Governance, carbon offsets, and land rehabilitation in climate policy
Research Summary
Her submitted abstracts examine how climate action can support nature and communities, with a focus on forest governance, carbon offset programs, and land rehabilitation in post-mining or environmentally affected areas.
Resources
View Abstract PDF | View Certificate | View Bio
Ignacio Oliva
Ph.D. Candidate, University of California, Davis
Agricultural and Resource Economics
Research Fields
Environmental Economics; Natural Capital; Ecosystem Services; Climate Change
Featured Research
Unintended Consequences of Nature-Based Climate Mitigation: Exotic Natural Capital and Water Scarcity
Co-authored with Bruno Pimenta
Research Summary
This study examines how the expansion of industrial tree plantations affects freshwater availability and the policy trade-offs of nature-based climate mitigation.
Resources
View Abstract PDF | View Certificate | View Bio
Lizah Makombore
Ph.D. Candidate, University of Vermont
Gund Institute / Institute for Agroecology / Leadership for the Ecozoic
Research Fields
Agroecology; Sustainable Food Systems Transformation; Public Development Finance; Social Inclusion
Featured Research
Transforming Development Finance: From Agroecology as a “Bankable Solution” to Making Public Development Banks Agroecological
Research Summary
This study examines how public development finance can better support agroecological transitions and the transformation of sustainable food systems.
Resources
View Abstract PDF | View Certificate | View Bio
Recognition Note
PSO is pleased to recognize the 2026 Emerging Policy Scholars Summer Cohort and to archive their research contributions as part of its broader commitment to policy research, scholarly exchange, and public dialogue.