Bhavya Jha

EU Schuman Postgraduate Award, The Faraday Institution - Environmental Studies

I’m from Memphis, Tennessee and graduated from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service in 2017 with a B.S.F.S in International Politics and a Certificate in International Development. I developed an interest in technology while interning and thus sought policy and legal experience in the industry after college. I joined Tesla’s Environment, Health, and Safety team in June 2017 and rapidly learned many aspects of battery technology. I found myself asking more questions about the life cycle of lithium-ion batteries, which I eventually sought to answer for the industry at-large. A Fulbright-Schuman seemed to be the ideal avenue to combine my interest in cultural exchange with my pursuit for research in the EU where there are evolving battery policy frameworks. While in Europe, I will pursue research and development in battery recycling processes and policy implementation in Brussels (September-December), Berlin (January-March), and finally London (April-June) where I will work with The Faraday Institution. I will have the opportunity to explore battery recycling, raise awareness of issues, and engage with stakeholders in-person and in labs across the EU. In my free time, I enjoy running, learning languages, and dancing; I’m looking forward to meeting people through running clubs or dance studios and learning more about local culture!