TILDEN CHAO
DIRECTOR
Tilden is a junior at Yale College studying economics and environmental studies. He is working toward a certificate in the Energy Studies Multidisciplinary Academic Program. In 2020, Tilden wrote a grant proposal to the Student Green Innovation Fund and founded the Yale Refrigerants Initiative, with support from HVAC technicians in the Yale Office of Facilities.
Tilden is EPA Section 608-certified under the Clean Act to handle refrigerants and to work on small appliances, medium appliances, and low-pressure equipment.
Contact: tilden.chao@yale.edu
KEZIA LEVY
PROJECT ADVISER
Kezia is a sophomore from London, England, who was originally class of 2023 but due to her current gap year is now class of 2024. She is a prospective Environmental Studies major with an interest in pursuing the Energy Studies multidisciplinary program as well as a certificate of fluency in Spanish. Outside of class you can find her on the stage, playing club lacrosse, in a Model UN Conference or cooking! Pertaining to sustainability, Kezia is particularly interested in the future of renewables and alternative energy resources as well as how large companies’ and firms’ commitment to ESG is crucial in the move to a more sustainable future.
GEMMA YOO
PROJECT ADVISER
Gemma is a junior from Minneapolis, Minnesota, studying Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Yale. In addition to her coursework studying the biology of plants, she has a longstanding interest in environmental conservation and green initiatives, and is excited to gain more experience working as part of a team to address these issues with the Yale Refrigerants Initiative!
MAURO ACEVES-ACOSTA
PROJECT ADVISER
Mauro is a senior from Branford, CT majoring in chemical engineering. Apart from YRI, he has served on the board of Yale Model Congress organizing a congressional simulation for high school students. One of his primary interests in sustainability is reducing the environmental impact of our built environment, including homes, buildings, and transportation infrastructure.
SHERRY XU
PROJECT ADVISER
Sherry is a senior from Fullerton, CA, majoring in Earth & Planetary Sciences and Environmental Studies. She is passionate about sustainability efforts at the community and city scales. She is excited to work with everyone on the Yale Refrigerants Initiative team to help Yale reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, one (mini-)fridge at a time!
ISABELLA HAY
PROJECT ADVISER
Isabella is a sophomore from Atlanta, GA. She's majoring in Chemical Engineering with a specific interest in applications in environmental chemistry. Isabella is particularly interested in exploring environmentally friendly energy solutions as well as the development of economically and environmentally sustainable water treatment practices.