The Pace Energy and Climate Center (PECC) has announced its Executive Board for the 2025–26 academic year. The board consists of three students from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, each bringing distinct backgrounds to the organization’s mission.
Frances Gothard, class of 2026, offers a global perspective informed by her studies in International Studies and varied professional experiences. At Pace Haub Law, she has served as Co-Chair of the New Directions in Environmental Law Conference and as Vice President of the Environmental Law Society. Gothard also contributed as a research assistant on environmental policy issues concerning natural resources, national parks, and monuments. Her experience includes an externship with Consolidated Edison Company of New York’s Energy and Environmental Law Department. She is currently a student attorney with the Food and Farm Business Law Clinic, supporting local businesses and nonprofits, and serves as an editor for The Urban Lawyer journal. “Looking ahead, Frances is committed to elevating international perspectives on energy, food systems, and environmental policy to shape energy and climate law and advance equitable and sustainable energy and climate solutions,” according to PECC.
Carington Lowe, also class of 2026, brings a scientific background that supports her interdisciplinary approach to energy law. She holds positions such as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Pace Environmental Law Review and Sustainable Business Law Hub Scholar. Lowe has completed an externship with the Land Use Law Center, worked as a student attorney in the Food and Farm Business Law Clinic, assisted research on affordable housing with climate considerations, and focuses on renewable energy transitions. “Looking forward, Carington’s focus is on biofuel, nuclear energy, and identifying climate harm, with the goal of bridging science, technology, and policy to build a more equitable and sustainable energy future,” PECC stated.
Kenneth Sumter ’26 contributes his creative skills to advancing clean energy initiatives at PECC. His research this year centers on urban battery storage infrastructure aimed at resilient cities with affordable energy access for urban neighborhoods. “With a unique eye for design and storytelling, he channels his creativity into advancing clean energy solutions that connect people, places, and purpose,” according to PECC.
The center operates under Executive Director Michael Hamersky with support from Energy Policy Advisor Emma Lagle. Student engagement remains central to PECC’s activities; all law students are encouraged to participate in projects aligned with their interests. Selected students will serve as Energy and Climate Law Scholars contributing research work featured in PECC’s newsletter R.E.A.C.T.
In addition to board members’ roles, PECC hosts interns including Mercè Martí I Exposito LLM ‘26, Joseph Mayson LLM ‘26, and Clara Cusanelli ‘27 who assist ongoing work related to thermal energy networks, sustainable biofuels research, and international efforts connected to forums like IUCN and COP30.
