2025 Graduation Stories: Felix Mergenhagen

Driven by quantitative rigor and a passion for real-world impact, Felix Mergenhagen charted an ambitious international course to tackle the economics of sustainable energy access. Felix is a 2025 graduate of Duke's International Master of Environmental Policy (iMEP) program, known for its distinctive blend of study at Duke Kunshan University in China and Duke University in Durham.

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Hailing from Germany, Felix brought a robust economics background from the University of Hamburg and the Sorbonne to the program, ready to tackle complex global environmental issues.

His academic journey has been exceptional. Felix received the Friedrich-Ebert-Foundation Scholarship for academic excellence and social commitment and Duke's highly selective Merit Scholarship.

Within the iMEP program, Felix specialized in economics, applying rigorous analytical skills to address pressing environmental challenges.

A cornerstone of his experience was his Master's Project, a significant undertaking in collaboration with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). This project involved developing a custom Python tool for least-cost electrification modeling in Antongil Bay, Madagascar – work with the potential to directly inform energy access planning for nearly 200,000 residents, supported by dedicated fieldwork and a Guo Tingting Field Research Scholarship.

Beyond this intensive research, Felix broadened his experience through diverse internships in public sector consulting, energy venture capital, and banking, adding practical dimensions to his academic foundation. He also contributed to the Duke community as a Teaching Assistant and maintained a long-standing personal commitment to ice and inline hockey.

Felix's path through the iMEP has been an impressive accomplishment and global engagement. 

What brought you to the iMEP program?

I always wanted to study in both China and the U.S.—two countries that are absolutely central to solving global environmental issues. Environmental policy is inherently international, and both countries play a key role in climate action. The iMEP program, with its faculty and unique interdisciplinary structure, was the perfect match. I have a background in economics, particularly environmental economics, but I wanted to gain a broader perspective - through classes in environmental science, law, and policy. This program let me connect the dots. Along the way, I found my passion in energy access and mini-grid planning—where economics, environment, and policy intersect - and I’m now pursuing research in that space.

What have you focused on during your time at duke?

I focused on energy and economics, taking classes such as Development Economics and Labor Market Inequality to better understand how economic and environmental challenges intersect. I especially loved the Energy & Development class, which supported my Master’s Project on rural energy access planning in Madagascar. My MP connected me closely with the James E. Rogers Energy Access Project and Professor Jonathan Phillips. I joined the Global Energy Access Network (GLEAN), participated in conferences both at Duke and in Washington, D.C., and tried to build a strong bridge between theory and real-world application.

What professors had the most impact on you?

Two professors shaped my journey the most. At Duke Kunshan, Professor Wumeng He guided me through Environmental Economics I & II and an independent study in math. He really helped develop my analytical and econometric skills, and I am very thankful for his mentorship on my way to finding a PhD position. At Duke, Professor Jonathan Phillips had a huge impact on my studies. He advised my MP, introduced me to practical energy access studies, and connected me with practitioners in the field. Here, a special thank-you to both of them!

what's next?

I’ll be starting my PhD in Economics this fall at the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin), focusing on Energy & Environment. I’m super excited to continue working on my topics and to build on everything I’ve learned through the iMEP program.