Motivated, diligent, energy enthusiast and full of life, I’m ready to take on the world. I have a dream for a more resilient and equitable energy future, especially for small island nations.

I'm currently pursuing my Ph.D. at Princeton University, where my dissertation, “Thinking Big in Small Islands: Resilience Frameworks for a Net-Zero Electricity Future in the Caribbean,” is inspired by my experiences growing up in Jamaica. My work explores two main solutions: how to strengthen future electricity grids against natural hazards and how to build a regionally integrated power system within the Eastern Caribbean, which I’ve coined the Eastern Caribbean Power Pool (ECPP).

Through this work, I aim to inform policy, support smart planning, and help pave the way for a net-zero, integrated and resilient Caribbean. My academic background in physics, technology, and environmental studies equips me with both the analytical tools and the broader perspective to tackle complex energy challenges.

Beyond research, I’m a strong believer in community, collaboration, and cultural exchange. I live by the saying, “No man is an island”—we achieve more when we work together. I’ve served on multiple campus committees, led cross-cultural events, and am always excited to connect with others who bring different perspectives.

Outside of academia, I’m a traveler, dancer, aspiring professional harpist,and a lifelong learner. There’s always something new to explore, and I hope I never cease learning.

My Journey

My Grinnell College Undergraduate Experience

August 2017 - May 2021

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Projects


Main Projects

Multi-Island Power System Optimization: A Feasibility Study of the Eastern Caribbean Power Pool

April 2025 - Present

Coming Soon

Power Plays: Stakeholder Perspectives and the Geopolitics of an Eastern Caribbean Power Pool

July 2024 - Present

In Draft

Powering Through the Storm: Estimating Electric Grid Resilience Using a Power System Cyclone Impact Model

September 2023 - Present

Pending Review AGU Poster

Other Projects

Why do Electric Utilities Adopt Residential EV Managed Charging Offerings? A Comparative Analysis Across 112 Utilities

March 2025 - Present

Contact for Details!

TigerWell International Grad Student Mental Health

September 2022 - March 2023

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Validation of WaveWatch III under Hurricane Conditions

June 2020 - June 2021

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Photovoltaic
Characterization

August 2019 - Incomplete (Covid-19)

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A Study of Barbados 100% Renewable Energy Target

June 2019 - August 2019

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History of Solar Energy

January 2019 - June 2019

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Akaisiba
Self-Started Business

January 2017 to Present

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In the News

September 2024

IRENA Youth Council

December 4, 2023

Understanding offshore wind energy with doctoral student Avery Barnett

October 26, 2023

Avery Barnett Selected to Investigate the Future of Offshore Wind in NJ

July 11, 2021

Talented Avery Barnett off to Princeton for PHD Studies

July 7, 2021

High-achieving Immaculate alumna heads to Princeton

June 2021

Alumni Senior Awards 2021

April 30, 2021

Jamaican Accepted to PHD Program at Princeton

November 12, 2020

Avery Barnett ’21 Earns SACNAS Presentation Award

October 24, 2020

STEM Students Recognized for their Research and Presentation Skills at 2020 SACNAS

October 21, 2020

New SGA Senate to include Multicultural Leadership Council representatives

February 17, 2020

Four Reasons to Attend a Research Conference as an Undergraduate

October 1, 2019

College Signs 20-Year Pact to Acquire Renewable Electricity

June 25, 2019

The Flexibility of a Tech Studies Concentration

September 17, 2017

Immaculate, Avery!

August 26, 2016

How I Spent my Summer Vacation