Erb Institute

Each summer, the Erb Institute's dual-degree MBA/MS students gain incredible real-world experience through internships at a wide range of organizations.

This year is no exception. This cohort is tackling massive challenges—from international labor rights with the Fair Labor Association to local municipal energy grids with the City of Ann Arbor.

We can't wait to see what they accomplish this summer! Read the full 2026 internship announcement here: https://erb.umich.edu/about/erb-news/2026-summer-internships-graduate-dual-degree-mba-ms-students

Saron Mechale (MBA/MS '27) said it best: Erb isn't just a program, it’s a mindset that forces us to think holistically and act intentionally. It’s about facing global challenges head-on and turning them into opportunities for real, lasting good.

We are incredibly proud of the work our students, alumni, and partners do every day to change the narrative of business. The future is being built right here. 〽️🌍

Whether you were in the very first cohort or the 25th, the legacy that Fred and Barbara Erb started lives on in your leadership, your impact, and your drive for a more sustainable world. 🌱🌎

Our community continues to grow, but we always love looking back at the connections that shaped our journeys.

Think back to your time in the program—who was your go-to partner for late-night projects, deep discussions, or navigating final exams? Tag your “partner in crime” from your class in the comments below. It’s time for a reunion! 👇

At the Erb Institute, our shared drive for a more sustainable world is what brings us together—but it’s our diverse interests, backgrounds, and experiences that help us grow.

No matter where you are in your career or your academic journey, the Erb community remains a place to learn, collaborate, and push the boundaries of sustainability leadership. 〽️🌱

A group of Erb Institute students traveled to Boston for ClimateCap 2026.

Hosted at MIT Sloan School of Management, the conference offered a deep dive into the critical role sustainability plays in modern business. From touring a climate tech incubator to discussing the complex relationship between AI energy demands and carbon markets, our students returned with incredible insights.

Kailey Peterson (MBA/MS '27) shares her top highlights on navigating climate leadership, embracing the human element of climate work, and the importance of weaving sustainability into every industry role.

🔗 Read Kailey's full recap: https://erb.umich.edu/about/erb-news/learning-and-connecting-at-climatecap-2026

Today we're throwing it back to the Class of 2016! 🎓 It feels like just yesterday these alumni were walking the halls of Ross and SEAS, and now they're leading global impact across industries.

We can't wait to gather with our alumni network at Erb Returns this fall to celebrate the legacy that Fred and Barbara Erb started.

Who from your cohort are you most excited to catch up with? Tag them in the comments below! 👇

When I first learnt of Ann Arbor's efforts to develop a first-of-its-kind supplemental renewable energy utility, I knew I had to find a way to get involved! The Sustainable Energy Utility is deploying policy and capital to bring solar power, VPP capacity, home weatherization, and distributed geothermal in an affordable and accessible format to city wide residents. This summer I am interning for the SEU! Follow along with my Instagram takeover today as I take you through a day at the SEU in week! (Vamika Jain, '27)

We want to celebrate and thank our outgoing Erb Undergraduate Fellows Council Co-Presidents, Claire Guo (BBA '26) and Allison Gadlage (BA '26).

Over the past year, Claire and Allison have done a phenomenal job fostering an inclusive, interdisciplinary community at the intersection of business and sustainability. Under their leadership, the council hosted a record-breaking 13 community events, bridging the gap between undergraduate fellows, dual-degree students, and staff.

Reflecting on her time, Claire shared: "Particularly as a Ross major, it has been really incredible to be part of a community of people passionate about sustainability and climate action."

We are incredibly grateful for their dedication and look forward to welcoming them into our vibrant Erb alumni network. We are also thrilled to pass the torch to our incoming Co-Presidents, Jackie Holt and Scotten Maderal, as they lead the council into the next academic year!

Read Claire and Allison's full farewell letters and reflections on our website: https://erb.umich.edu/about/erb-news/farewell-from-erb-fellows-co-presidents

Before joining SEAS, Abhishek Gupta (MS/MBA ’25) built a successful career as a data scientist, using analytics to solve complex problems and drive decision-making. But growing up in the Indian Himalayas, where he witnessed the growing impacts of climate change firsthand, inspired him to redirect those technical skills toward advancing climate and energy solutions.

Drawn to SEAS for its interdisciplinary approach, Abhishek pursued a dual degree with SEAS and the Erb Institute, specializing in Sustainable Systems and Environmental Policy and Planning. His time at Michigan allowed him to combine his data and analytics expertise with a deeper understanding of energy systems, climate policy, and sustainability strategy.

A defining highlight of Abhishek’s graduate experience was his work as a research assistant under Professor Parth Vaishnav. There, he worked on an Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E)-sponsored project building a cost model for a new energy-efficient cooling solution for data centers. Alongside rigorous academic and professional experiences, SEAS also expanded his perspective by encouraging him to explore sustainability challenges across disciplines.

Following graduation, Abhishek now works at Antora Energy, where he helps advance long-duration thermal energy storage solutions that support industrial decarbonization and a cleaner electric grid. His work reflects the very mission that brought him to SEAS: applying technical expertise to real-world climate solutions. Congrats, ! 🎓

Read the full profile: https://myumi.ch/DW1Ex

We're uncovering some gems from the past 30 years of the Erb Institute, like this 2013 class picture!

Thirty years ago, the Erb Institute began with a single, powerful vision: that business could be the greatest force for sustainability.

Since then, hundreds of Erbers have walked through our doors and gone out to change the world. This September, we are bringing those three decades of pioneers back to Ann Arbor.

This isn't just a anniversary party—it’s a gathering of minds to celebrate our shared legacy and talk about where sustainable business is going next. Whether you graduated in the 90s, the 2010s, or just last year, your impact is part of this story.

Mark your calendars for this September. We can't wait to welcome you home. 💙💛