Veena Shirsath is in the MS in Economics and Computation program at Duke University, where she studies the intersection of data science, economics, and energy systems. Her research focuses on smart grids, energy access, and supporting clean energy transitions in emerging economies. Veena has worked on projects analyzing utility data for effective demand-side management, residential cooling demand and, load characteristics. She interned at multiple SaaS-based startup working on energy and urbanization and led several student initiatives on climate and energy. She is passionate about applying quantitative tools and interdisciplinary collaboration to advance sustainable and equitable energy solutions. In her leisure time, Veena enjoys immersing herself in music and exploring the outdoors through long treks. Her love for reading fuels her continuous quest for knowledge and personal growth.