As executive director of Michigan Energy Options, a clean energy nonprofit, John Kinch is working to help the people, government, businesses, and communities adopt more energy efficiency and renewable energy.

“Energy today is not just what the utility is providing you at a particular price point,” he said. “It is a subject that we need to be informed about because choices made today have global ramifications. The electricity power sector alone contributes some 30% of greenhouse gases to climate change. MEO and others are working to find workable, affordable alternatives to how we’ve generated and consumed our electricity for generations. It is both difficult and rewarding work, and it takes informed and engaged populations to join with us to make it happen.”

Kinch earned his Ph.D. in American studies with a focus in environmental studies from Michigan State University in 1996. He also has a B.A. in English from MSU. Prior to joining Michigan Energy Options, he worked as a journalist and for The Nature Conservancy.

His time at MSU gave him a set of tools that influenced his professional career and still guide his worldview today – mainly, how to think, learn, and the importance of using these skills for the benefit of others.

To read more, visit cal.msu.edu