SPS Stories
Faculty Spotlight
Driving the Clean Energy Transition with Data
Fast Facts
- Lucas Finco combines a background in physics and business with hands-on industry experience to prepare students for careers in clean energy and data analytics
- His courses cover the critical role of data in advancing renewable energy, helping students analyze markets and optimize sustainable solutions
- Students in the Clean Energy certificate program gain real-world experience through a capstone project with industry partners, providing valuable career connections
<p><span class="p-body">Lucas Finco’s career has always been fueled by a passion for science, math, and innovation. With a background in physics from the University of Wisconsin and Stony Brook University, he was drawn to the excitement of discovery. Later, as his career evolved, he pursued an MBA at NYU Stern to expand his knowledge beyond theory and into real-world application. The technical expertise and business savviness he honed ultimately led him to NYU SPS, where he now teaches in the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/certificates/clean-energy.html" target="_blank">Certificate in Clean Energy</a> and <a href="/content/sps-nyu/certificates/data-analytics.html" target="_blank">Certificate in Data Analytics</a> programs.</span></p>
Bridging Clean Energy and Data Analytics
<p><span class="p-body">Finco’s industry experience and academic knowledge allow him to prepare students for the future of clean energy by helping them build a strong foundation in physics and data analytics, especially as the energy sector undergoes rapid transformation. “It is essential that tomorrow’s energy professionals have the tools they need to stay grounded by the laws of physics when innovating a clean energy system for the world,” he explains.</span></p>
Instructors provide knowledge that is not easily visible from outside the industry, allowing graduates to participate in business negotiations, industry panels, and policy discussions with confidence.”
<p><span class="p-body">Data analytics plays a key role in the clean energy transition, from optimizing energy systems to setting effective policy targets. “Without a data-focused assessment of our energy needs, effective policy goals cannot be set,” Finco says. He helps students understand the balance between maintaining a reliable and affordable energy system while transitioning to more sustainable solutions. “We look at how various electricity generation technologies are selected based on their economics and discuss how markets might need to evolve in the future,” Finco explains.</span></p>
Preparing Students for Impactful Careers
<p><span class="p-body">The <a href="/content/sps-nyu/certificates/clean-energy.html" target="_blank">Clean Energy certificate program</a> at NYU SPS helps students stand out in a competitive industry by providing direct experience with real-world projects. Through the Capstone course, students collaborate with clean energy companies, gaining hands-on exposure to industry challenges and networking with professionals.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">At the end of every semester, Finco shares his insights on the unfinished work in the clean energy transition, offering graduates a roadmap for how they can contribute to the field. His most recent list of industry needs and opportunities can be found <a href="https://www.renewableenergyworld.com/storage/a-2025-clean-energy-transition-wish-list/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Make your mark on the clean energy transition when you pursue a <a href="/content/sps-nyu/certificates/clean-energy.html" target="_blank">Certificate in Clean Energy</a> or a <a href="/content/sps-nyu/certificates/data-analytics.html" target="_blank">Certificate in Data Analytics</a> at NYU SPS.</span></p>
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