Laura's research focuses on energy and environment oriented technological progress and seeks to: identify and quantify the diverse benefits that derive from policies designed to promote it; map the complex factors, including but not limited to policies, that contribute to it; and create tools for policymakers and analysts to manage the systemic uncertainties that accompany it.
Laura also studies the coupling between water and energy systems and its implications and the effectiveness of innovation institutions internationally. Laura is on the advisory board of the project on "Accelerating Energy Innovation" at the International Energy Agency and has worked as a consultant for various organizations (e.g., Climate Strategies on a World Bank project). In addition to her work on systems analysis in energy and technology policy, Laura has published in chemical engineering and nuclear magnetic resonance journals, carried out process engineering research projects at DuPont and Bayer Pharmaceuticals, collaborated extensively with Johnson Matthey Catalysts, and worked as a financial consultant for banks on credit risk models for financing technology projects.
Laura holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the Magnetic Resonance and Catalysis Group at the University of Cambridge (UK), a Master in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School, and a Master in Chemical Engineering from the University of Manchester (UK). She has also studied and worked on research at the University of Stuttgart (Germany).