Jonah Messinger

Jonah Messinger is the 2021 recipient of the Lisle Abbott Rose Award. He will graduate in May 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics, Masters of Engineering in Energy Systems, and a minor in the Hoeft Technology and Management program.

During his time as a student, Jonah has been an active member of The Grainger College of Engineering community. He is the founder and president of the nonprofit organization SolHomes and the vice-chair of the Student Sustainability Committee.

Jonah is currently an undergraduate researcher in the Meng Research Group and a member of the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy, Inter-Policy School Summit Working Group. He also serves on the Illinois Sustainability Council and the Illinois Climate Action Plan Working Group.

Previously, he was the president of Illinois Solar Decathlon, and also interned at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy, and Key Capture Energy. He was also an undergraduate researcher in the Braun Research Group for two years.

Jonah said earning the Lisle Abbott Rose Physics Award has helped him reflect on and appreciate his friends, experiences, and the opportunities afforded to him during his time at the University of Illinois.

“I am honored to be recognized among such outstanding peers and awardees,” Jonah said. “It feels great to receive this award as I wrap up my time at Illinois and as I see all of the projects and initiatives that I have worked on during my four years come to fruition.”

He plans to pursue a Ph.D. in the physical sciences and work in the clean energy industry at the intersection of science and technology, business and innovation, and policy. As an early professional, he will work on novel clean energy technologies, and will later focus on system analysis for policy development and technology implementation.