
Field of Study:
Economics/Environmental Policy/Water/Clean Energy
Home Institution in the U.S.:
Pitzer College, Claremont, CA
Host Institution in Sri Lanka:
International Water Management Institute, Battaramulla
Start Month/Year in Sri Lanka:
November 2024
Duration of Grant:
Nine months
Robert Stitt
Robert Stitt received his bachelor’s degree in economics and environmental policy from Pitzer College in California. His creative itch and curiosity led him to minor in studio art during his studies. Robert has worked in clean energy consulting in Boston and Seattle. His interests lie in sustainable development, environmental studies, creative writing, biking adventures, and empowering communities.
Robert’s Fulbright project is researching why there is low adoption of solar irrigation pumps (SIPs) in Sri Lanka’s Jaffna district and North Western Province even though they are being widely used in similar South Asian contexts. In this regard, he is conducting surveys with farmers and is also engaging elected officials and other supply-side stakeholders. Besides, Robert is publicizing the issue within the country and is conducting an economic analysis to prove the feasibility of SIPs in the region.