Claire Fitzgerald '25 - Iceland
- MH European Alum Council
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
We are delighted to share our latest Global Alum Alliance feature interview, as we celebrate the lives and achievements of alums around the world. This In the Spotlight interview focuses on Claire Fitzgerald '25, the latest winner of our Mount Holyoke European Alum Council Award for Graduate Study in Europe program.
Please get in touch if you feel your story would be of interest, or would like to recommend a fellow alum!
Spotlight on…
Name: Claire Fitzgerald
Class Year: 2025
Country: Iceland
Major: Geography
Profession: Graduate Student in Sustainable Energy Science
"[Iceland's] isolated energy grid, which relies almost entirely on renewable energy, combined with the transmission constraints in the harsh climate makes it an ideal case for studying risk, resilience and spatial justice within energy systems. I wanted to live in a place where I could experience sustainable energy first-hand and I've definitely been able to see that through geothermal resources."
Claire Fitzgerald '25 is the latest winner of the European Alum Council Award for Graduate Study in Europe program and she is currently pursuing a Masters in Sustainable Energy Sciences at Reykjavik University in Iceland. Life in Iceland is offering her the opportunity to explore her passion for sustainable innovation and climate resilience. Read on!
1) Can you tell us a little about yourself and your field of research and explain why you decided to pursue graduate studies in Iceland?
During my senior spring I took an influential trip to Iceland during spring break where I learned about renewable energy. This inspired me to apply to Reykjavik University for graduate studies to learn more about energy and sustainability. Currently, my academic focus has been centered on the intersection of energy geographies, climate resilience, disaster and risk management, urban planning, policies and infrastructure governance. I am particularly interested in how people, place, space, and policy all intertwine. I hope to work in energy policy and urban design.
I chose to pursue graduate studies in Iceland because it offers a unique space in which to answer these questions. The isolated energy grid, which relies almost entirely on renewable energy, combined with the transmission constraints in the harsh climate makes it an ideal case for studying risk, resilience and spatial justice within energy systems. I wanted to live in a place where I could experience sustainable energy first-hand and I've definitely been able to see that through geothermal resources. Studying here has allowed me to explore my background of geography further and understand how it actively shapes infrastructure.
2) You have now been in Reykjavik for over 6 months, how does your daily life look like and how is your master program progressing?
My daily life has really become a mix of coursework, exploration, and relaxation. Most of my days are split up between attending lectures and in the library working on assignments with relaxation sprinkled in between. I’ve been intentionally integrating some GIS into my work as well which has been a fun challenge for me. It’s allowed me to connect spatial analysis in a more applied way.
Academically, the program is progressing well. I felt incredibly prepared for grad school coming from Mount Holyoke. Even though I did not initially have technical expertise in energy systems, I feel more confident in my understanding of the subject.
Outside of class, I go as often as I can to the public pool and swim in the geothermally heated water. I also bake and cook foods I miss from home and try new recipes, walk around different neighborhoods, read books, and spend time with friends. I’ve enjoyed people-watching, petting the neighborhood cats when I’m lucky enough to see them, and trying new restaurants and returning to my favorite spots. As the weather improves, I am hoping to spend more time exploring nature beyond the city.
3) What is the most unique/surprising personal/academic experience you have had since your arrival in Iceland?
One of the most surprising academic shifts for me has been developing a genuine interest in energy economics and policies (thanks to an inspiring professor in my first semester)! Previously, it was always a boring subject to me but now I have been able to see it in a new light combined with energy systems. On a personal level, the darkness and light has been an adjustment and has made me more intentional with my time. I plan activities around when the sun is out, if it is out at all. Now I have been enjoying the sun peeking through my windows whenever I can.
4) Have you already had the opportunity to travel elsewhere in Europe?
Yes! I took a short trip to England and revisited Canterbury, where I previously studied abroad. I saw some old friends from my time there which was a lovely treat. Definitely one of my favorite places that I continue to return to. Other than that, I do have some upcoming opportunities to travel. I’ll be returning back to London for a concert, and one of my courses includes a class trip to rural Denmark where we participate in international collaboration with peers from other Nordic and Baltic countries and share our findings about energy resilience in Iceland. I’m particularly excited about that experience as it combines travel and learning. After that, I have a few weeks of solo travel planned across Ireland, England, Finland, Estonia, and Stockholm. I’m excited to explore new places and return to old favorites! Travel has always been important to me and getting to explore new places and experience things outside of my comfort zone.
5) Do you already have any plans for the future?
Nope, but that’s okay! I am enjoying the ebbs and flows of life, picking up knowledge, experience, and adventure where I can. My long-term goal right now is to work in some sort of intersection between energy, sustainability, risk, urban planning, and disaster management. For now, I am staying open to opportunities and adding tools to my toolbox.
Interview conducted Winter 2026 by Silvia Maulini '80
