Ask questions. Ask questions of people you don't know and ask questions of people you do know. People are so willing to share information. They want to give their ideas. Ask your professors. Ask people who work at big energy companies. It's also important to know that we need all types of people and interests in renewable energy—not just science and engineering. Whatever your skills are, you can help support this system. We need all hands on deck.

Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer

Adam Cohen Highlight

Empowered State

The state of New York leads a clean energy revolution

Electric planes. Towns powered by waterfalls. Offshore wind farms. This isn't the far-off future of clean energy—it's what's happening right now in New York State. Join three New Yorkers as they explore the clean energy revolution taking place in their backyard.

Logo of New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

Movie poster with the text "Empowered State" written within an outline of the state of New York laid over a tree-lined city street.

Roadtrippers Leila and Julia add a "Roadtrip Nation" sticker to the side of their low-emissions rental car. 

Leila, David, and Julia show off their matching ponchos as they cruise through Niagara Falls on the "Maid of the Mist" boat tour.

As the chief transformation officer and regional manager of Western New York at the New York Power Authority, Daniella Piper helps lead operations at the Niagara Power Project.

As acting director of sustainability for the City of Ithaca, Rebecca Evans hopes to create a new blueprint for how cities everywhere can go green.

The "Empowered State" roadtrippers take a break to relax, reflect, and cook s'mores over a campfire.

Emma Davis is a test pilot at Beta Technologies, which has developed an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

The roadtrippers hang out with Michael Phinney, an architect who was the team leader on the first certified green building in New York State.

The roadtrippers sit down with Cheryl Whilby, who runs communications and development at Soul Fire Farm near Albany, NY.

The roadtrippers check out the views of New York City from the glass observation box at The Edge New York.

Elizabeth Yeampierre is the executive director of UPROSE, a community-based organization that fights for environmental and climate justice.

Jennifer Garvey is the head of New York market strategy at Ørsted, an energy company that is currently building two wind farms off the coast of New York.

Kereem Berry is the executive director of M.A.P.P., Inc., a nonprofit working to help historically underserved populations find careers in the building and construction trades.

The roadtrippers spend a night off laughing over a family dinner.

Kathy Hannun is the co-founder and president of Dandelion Geothermal, which helps homes and businesses across New York convert to geothermal energy.

The roadtrippers wrapped up their journey in New York City, where they met Tony Lee, the chief technical officer at Revel—a ride-sharing company with a fleet of electric cars and mopeds.

Leila smiles next to a plaque reading "Elmira College, founded 1855."

David takes a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.

Julia uses technology to help her with her work as an energy engineer.

New York Clean Energy

[MUSIC] New York is close to my heart. Most of my family lives here. My parents grew up here. &gt;&gt; It's kind of like its own microcosm. This feeling of there's always something happening, no matter where you are or what time it is. &gt;&gt; It's gorgeous, is so beautiful and full of life and full of different types of cultures and things like that. But the Earth has finite resources, and we're using the resources at such a fast rate that if we keep going, it'll all be gone and we won't be able to enjoy it anymore. &gt;&gt; It seems like there are those straightforward solutions right in front of us. And I guess that's what this road trip is for. Hopefully, we'll be able to figure out what's stopping us from jumping onto clean energy. [MUSIC] So for the next three weeks. &gt;&gt; I'll be traveling with Julia and David around New York interviewing a bunch of leaders in sustainability and clean energy. &gt;&gt; Normally, Roadtrip Nation takes these road trips in these big green RVs. But, we're actually gonna be in energy-efficient vehicles for our trip. We're gonna be interviewing leaders in variety of spaces including high efficiency buildings, heat pump technology, wind energy, solar energy, clean transportation. &gt;&gt; I'm mostly excited to just to gain a new perspective on clean energy. &gt;&gt; How do we make buildings create more energy than then they even use and net positive? How do we have zero carbon buildings? How do we make buildings more alive? &gt;&gt; I'm excited to ask about their journey. &gt;&gt; I'm really glad that you're on this road trip trying to explore or to take some time to think about who you are and how you fit into something and how you can create something new. [MUSIC] &gt;&gt; I'm looking forward to taking some of the stuff I've learned from this trip back to my life. &gt;&gt; Seems like all three of us are super passionate about the field. &gt;&gt; It'll be an adventure. &gt;&gt; [LAUGH] &gt;&gt; Aah! &gt;&gt; We'll all get to know each other and I'm sure we'll be like super close. It kind of reminds me of camp [LAUGH]. [MUSIC] 

A new series exploring the most exciting innovations in clean and renewable energy through the eyes of three young adults.

Empowered State Trailer

Meet the roadtrippers, then follow along as they explore hydroelectric power’s potential at Niagara Falls and visit one of New York's greenest cities.

Episode 1: Power for Good

The roadtrippers climb inside the next generation of electric planes and learn how to harness the Earth's power through geothermal energy.

Episode 2: Under the Ground and Through the Air

How can we make sure the clean energy revolution creates a better future for all? The roadtrippers talk to policymakers and activists about the human side of the switch.

Episode 3: A More Equitable Revolution

As the trip comes to an end, interviews with clean energy executives and entrepreneurs help the roadtrippers tap into their own power to drive the industry forward.

Adam Cohen

Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer

Videos

Adam Cohen

Milestones

Education

Career

Career Roadmap

My work combines:

My work combines:

Technology

Entrepreneurship

Accomplishing Goals

Advice for Getting Started

Interviewed By

Empowered State

Adam Cohen

Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer

Videos

Adam Cohen

Milestones

Education

Career

Career Roadmap

My work combines:

My work combines:

Technology

Entrepreneurship

Accomplishing Goals

Advice for Getting Started

Interviewed By

Empowered State

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