Paul Shortell

About Paul

(updated 6/2016) Paul Shortell is an analyst of environmental and energy issues.  As a Luce Scholar, Paul is placed with the  Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI)’s Myanmar office in Yangon , working with innovative agents of change within government ministries, civil society, the media, legislatures, the private sector, and international institutions to promote accountable and effective governance in the extractive industries.  Prior to his Luce year, Paul evaluated overseas political and commercial risks for U.S. clients at TD International LLC, a strategic advisory firm based in Washington, D.C.  He previously engaged with a wide range of stakeholders from the public and private sectors at the Inter-American Dialogue, a leading center for policy analysis and exchange on Latin American affairs.  While at the Dialogue, he authored major reports assessing prospects for natural gas use in Central America’s electricity matrix and reviewing the challenges associated with Mexico’s landmark energy reform.  His work has been featured in publications including the  Financial Times , World Politics Review ,  Latin Business Chronicle and  Forbes .  His engagement with natural resource issues is motivated by a desire to shape more effective environmental policies and to improve development outcomes.  Growing up in Atlanta during a period of severe drought, Paul developed a keen interest in water resources and worked with local NGOs to alleviate pollution in urban waterways.  He went on to receive fellowships to research hydropower development and energy geopolitics in South America.  At the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires, he produced diplomatic cables on in-country environmental issues and participated in a major nuclear energy conference.  He has also engaged in research and advocacy with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Generación Política Sur, Georgia Conservancy and Chattahoochee Riverkeeper.  Paul graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Swarthmore College in 2013 with an honors degree in political science.  A fluent speaker of Spanish, he has studied and worked abroad in Argentina, Mexico and Costa Rica.  Paul is an avid swimmer, classical musician and granola enthusiast.