Renate grew up in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. After graduating high school, she moved to the mainland to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Business and a certificate in Sustainable Development at Simon Fraser University. Renate took Dr. Jaccard’s undergraduate course (REM 350) near the end of her degree and discovered her interest in energy-economy research. After completing her undergraduate degree, she was quick to apply to the REM Master’s program to continue learning and contribute to the research taking place in the EMRG lab. During her undergraduate degree at SFU, Renate was a member of the varsity track and field team and volunteered with groups such as EMBARK, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and other university services such as tutoring and being a learning coach for first year students. In her free time you can find her outdoors hiking, trail running, cycling, or hanging out at the beach.