Mr. Barrios leads the largest health philanthropy in New England. Since its inception seven years ago, the Foundation has been at the center of Massachusetts health care reform and is responsible for grant-making and furthering policy initiatives that expand access to health care and improve health outcomes for all citizens. On his fellowship, Mr. Barrios will examine the impact of economic development and infrastructure growth on community and environmental health of urban and rural populations in Brazil.

As Commissioner of the Missouri Public Service Commission, Kevin Gunn is responsible for regulating all investor-owned utilities in the state of Missouri including electric, natural gas, water, sewer, telecommunications, steam, and modular housing. On his fellowship, he plans to identify best practices in energy efficiency and utilization used by Australian political entities in order to develop an integrated energy policy that relies less on carbon-based fuels while recognizing the economic needs of his state and the country.

As License Collector, Michael McMillan’s duties include ensuring that individuals and entities who are engaged in any business, occupation, profession, or trade within the City limits of St. Louis have a business license, unless specifically exempt by law. He is seen as a rising political star and future candidate for Mayor of St. Louis. While on his fellowship, Mr. McMillan will examine the business industry in Ireland to learn about its e-government systems, and explore the tools used by local governments in Ireland to assist the business, residential and tourist communities.

Michael Moehn is responsible for all aspects of corporate mergers and acquisitions, resource and strategic planning, risk management, and oversight of major projects for Ameren. He also oversees programs in the areas of climate change and energy efficiency. On his fellowship, Mr. Moehn will explore Argentina’s approach to efficient energy generation, and how private and public investments are being leveraged to address a growing demand for electricity in the face of ever-increasing climate change risks.

At Androscoggin Holsteins, Inc., a nationally ranked herd of Holstein cows, Mr. Nutting manages daily farm activities and develops comprehensive marketing and advertising strategies to promote the farm’s genetic stock nationally and internationally. At Verrill Dana LLP, he manages lobbying efforts in the areas of electric utility, recycling, transportation, and natural resources. On his fellowship to India, he will focus on environmental sustainability, examining the nexus between reducing energy use in growing crops and raising livestock, and increasing food production for a growing worldwide population.

Michelle Sherod represents U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill at regional events and meetings, interacts with constituents, researches legislation, and assists nonprofit organizations in navigating the federal grants process. On her fellowship, she will examine initiatives being developed in China to address the growing energy demand, including sustainable development programs and strategies for selecting renewable energy technologies, especially ethanol biofuels and corn byproducts for potential biomass or cellulosic fuel uses.

As co-founder of DreamIt Ventures, an early stage venture capital fund, Steve Welch developed the marketing plan and network to fund and provide mentoring services to eleven technology start-up companies in 2008. Mr. Welch manages the DreamIt portfolio of companies by providing guidance in long-term business strategies, organization building, and identifying advisors, board members, and funding sources. On his fellowship, Mr. Welch will investigate best practices for helping technology start-ups increase their chances of success and determine ways in which entrepreneurial communities within the United States and China can mutually increase success rates through collaboration.

Mr. Zweifel is Missouri state government’s chief financial officer. The treasurer’s office manages Missouri’s $19 billion in annual state revenues; directs the state’s banking services; and manages Missouri’s $3.1 billion investment portfolio. On his fellowship, Treasurer Zweifel will examine the most appropriate role a regional governments should take in establishing tax incentives in order to encourage alternative energy polices and foster economic development.