The Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability at Duke University accelerates solutions to critical energy and environmental challenges, advancing a more just, resilient, and sustainable world.
The Nicholas Institute conducts and supports actionable research and undertakes sustained engagement with policymakers, businesses, and communities—in addition to delivering transformative educational experiences to empower future leaders. The Nicholas Institute’s work is aligned with the Duke Climate Commitment, which unites the university’s education, research, operations, and external engagement missions to address climate challenges.
Rafia is an interdisciplinary researcher who works on off-grid solar electricity access policies. Her analyses consider market development, institutional governance, local politics, and distributional impacts associated with off-grid investments in low-income contexts.
