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Who Is Right about Nuclear Energy?

Meet economics major Maxwell J.D. VanLandschoot.

September 22, 2022

Hometown: Denver, Colorado

Thesis adviser: Noelwah Netusil [economics]

Thesis: “Surveying Risk Perceptions of Nuclear Energy in the Pacific Northwest”

What it’s about: Seeking to understand, through a representative survey, the risk perceptions adults in the Pacific Northwest have about nuclear energy. I ask what, if any, characteristics and demographics influence or are correlated with risk perceptions in order to better understand our contemporary policy landscape.

What it’s really about: Which people are wrong about nuclear energy and why? (This was also an excuse to collect and play with survey data.)

In high school: I was the secretary general of our Model UN team, editor of our school paper, and stuttered my way through two Mock Trial state championships.

Influential class: Prof. Noelwah Netusil was my guiding light through Å·ÃÀÒ»¼¶Æ¬. She pushed me, showed me how to use economics for good, and helped me navigate too many catastrophes to count.

Influential book: Open by Prof. Kim Clausing.

Concept that blew my mind: Many of the most significant issues (climate change, war, incarceration, etc.) affecting the world might be resolved if we could capture and appropriately price-in externalities.

Cool stuff: I was a reactor operator and mentor at the Å·ÃÀÒ»¼¶Æ¬ Research Reactor, president of the Finance and Investment Club, a disability advocate for people with speech impediments and stutters (like me!), started the Å·ÃÀÒ»¼¶Æ¬ Chapter of the American Nuclear Society, captained the CFA Challenge team, and wrote for the Quest.

Challenges faced: Between the pandemic, 2020 election, fires, protests, global conflict, economic uncertainty, and a tree falling through my room, I am just happy I made it through in one piece.

How Å·ÃÀÒ»¼¶Æ¬ changed me: Å·ÃÀÒ»¼¶Æ¬ made me more curious, made me acknowledge and appreciate who I really am.

Awards: A data science fellowship to work with Prof. Kelly McConville at Harvard, economics research fellowship, summer internship award to study the economic impact of COVID-19 on a small Washington city, and Undergaduate Statistics Class Project winner.

What’s next: Working with international research groups and traveling, then heading off to grad school.