Branden Bohrnsen

Branden Bohrnsen is a third-year senior, studying Political Science and Statistics. His departmental honors thesis asks to what extent state legislature ideology impacts the emissions of American states, and more particularly, whether this effect is greater for emissions associated with energy production or consumption. He argues that the effect of ideology on production emissions is mediated by a state being especially dependent on the fossil fuel industry, as that fosters opposition towards the clean energy transition. With a focus on methods and political economy, Branden hopes to pursue a PhD in Political Science and delve further into climate politics and public economics research. Outside of research, Branden develops games with ACM Studio and serves as the Vice Chair of UCLA’s Student Fee Advisory Committee.