Kai Kuklinski ‘26 started his Senior Independent Study titled “Innovation Economics & Impact: Public-Private Pathways to Solve Climate Change and Safeguard Energy Security in the AI Era” alongside Head of Communications and Strategic Initiatives Ari Engelberg.

Kuklinski said the study’s main purpose is to analyze the way relationships between companies and individuals can benefit different career sectors.

“[I am] exploring how public and private partnerships can be utilized over the next decade to encourage interdisciplinary innovation in fields like nuclear, artificial intelligence and clean tech so that, as a society, we can meet climate and energy security goals,” Kuklinski said. “That’s a big issue in the 21st century.”

Kuklinski said the inspiration for the study came from his advisor.

“I wanted to do this study because I’ve looked into the topic for a while with Mr. Engelberg, who is my mentor for this assignment,” Kuklinski said. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet with various industry professionals and executives to learn about what happens both on the government and private side of businesses. ”

Kuklinski said he wants to ensure the report meets academic standards.

“It’s important to me to make it accessible to people and interesting to read,” Kuklinski said. “We submit the paper to a council of about 10 teachers at the school so we can publish it if we want to. It’s also an opportunity to research something that we’re interested in that isn’t otherwise offered at Harvard-Westlake.”