<p>As a participant in the <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/join/graduate-admissions/graduate-scholarships/cga-fellows-program.html">CGA Fellows Program</a>, <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-global-affairs.html">MS in Global Affairs</a> candidate Allyana “Ally” Geronimo is developing a climate justice index aimed at reshaping how climate finance is sourced and distributed. “The aim of my project,” explains Geronimo, “is to create a framework for the sourcing and distribution of climate finance using an index that incorporates indicators on socioeconomic factors and their correlation to economic growth.” By conducting extensive multiple regression analyses on economic, social, and climate‑vulnerability metrics, Geronimo seeks to reveal patterns that will serve to inform more equitable and effective climate finance policies.</p> <p>“This fellowship has been incredibly formative,” she adds. “It pushed me to find a specific niche within the broad field of Global Affairs. It has sharpened my trajectory and helped steer my academic and professional focus directly toward quantitative data analysis and sustainable development policy.” Geronimo’s ultimate goal is to bring her analytical strengths to global institutions working at the intersection of climate change, development finance, and economic policy.</p>

<p>With her strong foundation in data‑driven analysis, hopes to “leverage quantitative methods to design frameworks and policies that ensure development financing is distributed equitably and effectively to the most vulnerable regions.”</p> <p>Geronimo equally values the mentorship opportunities the program provides. “It is very helpful that we have mentors at arm’s length to receive feedback from for our projects.” She urges students contemplating the CGA Fellows Program to “be clear and intentional with your proposal. It is important that you not only choose a topic you are deeply passionate about, but that you can clearly articulate how you plan to execute it and why it matters. Don’t be afraid to dive deep into a specialized area and make it your own.”</p>