2015-2016 Luce Scholar

Natural Resource Governance Institute Yangon, MYANMAR



Paul Shortell will be placed with the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI)’s Myanmar office in Yangon. The NRGI works with innovative agents of change within government ministries, civil society, the media, legislatures, the private sector, and international institutions to promote accountable and effective governance in the extractive industries. NRGI Myanmar engages with the Burmese Parliament on natural resources governance issues, provides technical assistance to the Ministry of Mines on helping to draft rules and regulations, and conducts independent research. It has supported efforts of organizations such as the Myanmar-China Pipeline Watch Commission, and provided funding to five local NGOs that work primarily in the gas, mining and oil sectors, including the Myanmar Alliance for Transparency and Accountability (MATA), Spectrum (Sustainable Development Knowledge Network); TANKS (Transparency and Accountability Network for Kachin State). NRGI has also supported trainings for environmental journalists in Myanmar, working in partnership with the Yangon Journalist School.

Paul Shortell is an analyst of environmental and energy issues. Paul currently evaluates overseas political and commercial risks for U.S. clients at TD International LLC, a strategic advisory firm based in Washington, D.C. He previously engaged with a wide range of stakeholders from the public and private sectors at the Inter-American Dialogue, a leading center for policy analysis and exchange on Latin American affairs. While at the Dialogue, he authored major reports assessing prospects for natural gas use in Central America’s electricity matrix and reviewing the challenges associated with Mexico’s landmark energy reform. His work has been featured in publications including the Financial Times, World Politics Review, Latin Business Chronicle and Forbes. His engagement with natural resource issues is motivated by a desire to shape more effective environmental policies and to improve development outcomes. Growing up in Atlanta during a period of severe drought, Paul developed a keen interest in water resources and worked with local NGOs to alleviate pollution in urban waterways. He went on to receive fellowships to research hydropower development and energy geopolitics in South America. At the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires, he produced diplomatic cables on in-country environmental issues and participated in a major nuclear energy conference. He has also engaged in research and advocacy with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Generación Política Sur, Georgia Conservancy and Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. Paul graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Swarthmore College in 2013 with an honors degree in political science. A fluent speaker of Spanish, he has studied and worked abroad in Argentina, Mexico and Costa Rica. Paul is an avid swimmer, classical musician and granola enthusiast.