John Dees, PhD
Senior Decarbonization Scientist
Biofuel + Biomass Carbon Removal and Storage (BiCRS) + Geospatial Analysis + Environmental Science & Policy
Dr. John Dees is a senior decarbonization scientist with deep knowledge of biofuels and biomass-based engineered carbon removal projects. John combines technical analysis with expertise in bioenergy and carbon policy to help clients engage strategically with a rapidly evolving sector and bring quality decarbonization projects to market.
John initially trained as a geographer, where he developed a technical background in geospatial analysis and remote sensing. His interests later shifted to energy and climate. His master's thesis investigated interest group politics in state-level renewable energy policy.
John's PhD work focused on the intersection of industrial ecology and climate economics. In his dissertation, he employed life cycle and techno-economic assessment methods to assess the potential for bio-based products and fuels to remove carbon from the atmosphere. His research had a particular emphasis on the role of supportive state and federal policy to enable the “bioeconomy” for carbon drawdown.John brings an interdisciplinary background to bear across client engagements, from technical project reviews to policy expertise.
During his PhD, John collaborated with the Energy Systems team at Lawrence Livermore National Lab to quantify the technical and economic potential for low-carbon ethanol, sustainable aviation fuel, and carbon removal in the broader bioeconomy.
Education
PhD Energy and Resources Group
UC Berkeley
MS, Energy and Resources Group
UC Berkeley
BS, Environmental Spatial Analysis
University of North Georgia
Awards
Graduate Fellow (2015 - 2020)
NSF
Udall Scholar (2014)
Udall Foundation