This Family Weekend, join the Institute for Environment and Society (IBES) to explore the private sector's role in fighting the climate crisis and celebrate the official launch of the new IBES Alumni & Family Network.

Get ready to:

🗣️ Gain insights from climate visionaries
💡 Learn about the new IBES Alumni & Family Network, connecting generations of environmental leaders
🌱 Explore cutting-edge climate solutions
🏢 Tour the fourth floor greenhouse
🧪 Discover IBES' interdisciplinary coursework and research opportunities

Event details

9:30–10am:

Coffee, apple cider and light refreshments 

10–11am: 

Following introductory remarks by IBES Director Dr. Kim Cobb, hear from distinguished Brown alumni working at the forefront of innovative climate solutions in a panel discussion moderated by a student and followed by a Q&A session. Participants include:

Zoe Kemper ’24, Panel Moderator & Co-President of FSIcon

Zoe is a senior at Brown concentrating in Applied Mathematics and Economics. She developed her interest in sustainable finance through living and learning in the US, Peru, China, and the Netherlands, and she is curious about how to drive sustainable economic growth in both mature and emerging economies. At Brown, she is co-president of FSIcon, the largest student-led conference on sustainable investing.

Andrew Bernstein ’85, Founder and Managing Partner of Kearsarge Energy, L.P.

Andrew has over 35 years of business experience starting in project finance and investment banking and has been running divisions and companies for 25 years. In 2009, he followed up on a life-long interest in renewable energy by founding Kearsarge: a business that believes it can capitalize on highly compelling opportunities to develop, manage, own, and operate solar and battery energy storage systems in the U.S. Andrew received his BA from Brown and MBA from Harvard. He now serves on IBES’ Advisory Council.

Merrill Feather ’05, Co-Founder of The Regenerates

Merrill co-founded The Regenerates, a network of marketing leaders working with climate tech startups and climate-focused venture funds. She has 15+ years of experience in marketing and communications, spanning in-house leadership roles in CPG, large tech companies, and scrappy startups. She studied International Relations and Latin American Studies at Brown, and her roots in Nebraska farming and Texas oil and gas inform her interest in an equitable climate transition.

Sarang Mani ’21, Sustainable Growth Equity Investor at JPMorgan

Sarang works with private, growth-stage climate tech companies that aim to decarbonize the world’s highest-emitting sectors. He also leads Partnerships for Climate Tech Cities and was recognized as a Future Climate Leader by the Aspen Institute. At Brown, he co-led the Socially Responsible Investment Fund and FSIcon. He is passionate about climate solutions’ role in creating economic opportunities for underserved communities and advancing the low-carbon transition in the Global South.

A Q&A will follow the discussion. You’re invited to submit questions in advance by emailing environment@brown.edu with subject line “Question for Open House Panel.”

Plus, learn about the IBES Alumni & Family Network:

a new platform to bring together the global community of passionate, environmentally focused Brunonians to share information, build connections, support the career development of Brown’s students, and stay up to date on IBES’ latest developments. You can express interest in joining the network by filling out this form.

11am – noon:

• Faculty and students from IBES’ Environmental Studies and Sciences concentration will be on hand with information about courses, research opportunities, and internships. 
• Before you leave, be sure to join a guided tour of the vibrant fourth floor greenhouse at 11:10 or 11:30 a.m. or explore on your own. It will be open to the public until 3 p.m.