Oscar Serpell

Staff

Deputy Director

Oscar Serpell is Deputy Director of the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania, where he oversees the Center’s academic programs, faculty and student grants, visiting scholars, and alumni engagement. He has also led research initiatives with students and external partners, and teaches graduate courses in Penn’s Energy Management and Policy program.

Serpell is a researcher, writer, and policy analyst whose work examines the physical and resource constraints of the energy transition. His research focuses on critical mineral supply chains, embodied energy, circular economy strategies, industrial waste, and the infrastructure required to support deep decarbonization. His publications have explored topics including rare earth elements, water use in energy systems, urban energy efficiency, and the role of resource availability in shaping energy and industrial policy. He has also contributed commentary and analysis to a variety of publications on energy and climate policy.

Previously, Serpell served as Associate Director of Academic Programming and Student Engagement, where he expanded the Kleinman Center’s educational offerings by launching new graduate courses, strengthening undergraduate fellowship programs, and creating new opportunities for students to engage in policy research and publication.

Serpell holds a Master of Environmental Studies and a B.A. in Environmental Management from the University of Pennsylvania.