Published July 31, 2024
By Christine Reed
The School of Energy Resources (SER) is pleased to announce the addition of Dawson Kluesner to the Center for Energy Regulation and Policy Analysis (CERPA).
A native of Meteetsee, Wyo., Kluesner is a triple alumnus of the University of Wyoming, earning two bachelor’s degrees in Business Economics and Marketing in 2023, and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in energy business in 2024.
Throughout his education, Kluesner remained grounded in experiential opportunities to gain practical training and knowledge in some of Wyoming’s most impactful organizations. He served as an intern for two years with the Wyoming Taxpayers Association (WTA) where he regularly researched Wyoming tax policy and regulation with a particular focus on the energy industry. During his time at WTA, he made significant contributions to the Cowboy Family project. Utilizing that experience, he designed his senior capstone project to consider the Wyoming General Fund and how the State can decrease the volatility of the revenue stream through different diversification avenues.
At the same time, he worked as a researcher in the Summer Undergraduate Research in Economics (SURE) Program, investigating the economic impacts of ecotourism projects on the Wind River Indian Reservation. Additionally, he served as an intern for Leadership Wyoming, providing communication and marketing support for the class of 2024.
As a research professional in CERPA, Kluesner will apply his energy economic training to provide policy support to lawmakers and analyze economic impacts on other topics under investigation in the center.
“We are very excited to have Dawson join our team and provide some much-needed economic analyses and policy support,” says Kara Fornstrom, director of CERPA. “Dawson has already conducted some excellent work through the WTA and was a stand-out student in the MBA program.”
In addition to conducting independent research on economic issues related to energy regulations and policies affecting Wyoming’s energy sector, Kluesner will also provide collaborative support to other research centers and projects within SER as needed.
“Economics play such a key role in current and prospective energy development and the work that SER is conducting is always very intentional about integrating that component into the projects,” says Kluesner. “I am really looking forward to applying my skills to promote Wyoming’s energy sector and contribute to this incredible research team.”
