Student Researchers
Opeyemi Naimot Dawodu
Law Student Intern
Opeyemi is currently pursuing an LL.M. in Environmental Law (Energy and Climate Change) at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University. Prior to this program, she had earned an LL.M. in Corporate and Finance Law at Wayne State University, where she had received merit-based scholarships including the Graduate Professional Scholarship, as well as the Wilson-Thompson Endowed Scholarship. Before embarking on her graduate studies in the United States, Opeyemi practiced law at G. Elias, a leading Nigerian business law firm. At G. Elias, she worked on several corporate and international capital markets transactions, as well as infrastructure project financing, real estate projects, and dispute resolution matters. Opeyemi also has experience in United States immigration law, particularly the employment-based petitions (EB-2 National Interest Waiver and EB-1A petitions). She is admitted to practice law in Nigeria and is a member of the Alabama State Bar. Presently, her research interests revolve around climate change, clean energy transition and decarbonization, and sustainable business. This Spring, Opeyemi will be an extern at the Pace Energy and Climate Center working on key projects including assisting municipalities with adoption of district geothermal codes and associated permit requirements. In her leisure time, she enjoys some good music, photography, hairdressing, and bead making.
Elizabeth Wescoe
Law Student Intern
Elizabeth is a graduate from the University of Scranton where she earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, with a minor in History, and a concentration in Environmental Studies. At the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, Elizabeth is in her second year and currently holds a position as a Junior Associate on the Pace Environmental Law Review. In January 2025, she joined the Pace Energy and Climate Center as an extern. At the Center she will be researching legal strategies that local governments can use to improve indoor air quality in housing. Additionally, she will be assisting the Center with its work on district thermal energy. She is excited to use her interest in politics to further the use of renewable energy in her community.
Tamika Thomas
Law Student Intern
Tamika is a 3L flex student at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University. She is pursuing her Juris Doctor along with an Advanced Environmental Law Certificate, and she is expected to graduate in May 2026. Tamika is also an environmental educator in Brooklyn, New York, where she promotes climate change curricula while mentoring the next generation of environmental justice advocates. Throughout her time at law school, Tamika has been on the dean’s list and has been awarded the Winifred Sobie Pasternack Memorial Award, as well as the Pace Law Opportunitas Grant. Last summer, she interned with the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, focusing on researching equitable state regulatory energy policies. Tamika’s journey toward a legal career is deeply rooted in advocacy; prior to law school, she earned a Bachelor of Arts from Morgan State University, majoring in English and minoring in Pre-Law. She has also obtained a Master’s degree in Special Education from Pace University, graduating summa cum laude, driven by a mission to create equitable opportunities. Tamika looks forward to furthering her commitment to developing equitable legal solutions with the Pace Energy and Climate Center. Tamika will be helping the Center this Spring to facilitate the adoption of Thermal Energy Networks by municipalities in Westchester County.
Brooke Wood
Law Student Intern
Brooke Wood graduated from Olivet College in 2020 where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and special interest major, Environmental Health & Policy. She is a 3L at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University and is expected to earn her J.D., Advanced Environmental Law certificate, and Advanced International Law certificate in May 2025. Brooke’s legal experience spans both judicial and international arenas, having worked at the Supreme Court of Westchester, International Council of Environmental Law, and the United Nations. Through these experiences she has gained a deep understanding of legal frameworks at both domestic and global levels, shaping her approach to legal research and advocacy. Brooke is particularly interested in the evolving legal landscape of decentralized energy, regulatory challenges, and equitable access to sustainable resources. She is committed to contributing to innovative legal solutions that promote climate resilience and a just energy transition. Brooke has a strong passion for environmental law and is proud to be working with the Pace Energy and Climate Center where she will be researching opportunities to incorporate conflict resolution and collaboration strategies into international environmental agreements such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. She will also be researching domestic contexts for applying mediation to conflicts on multi-stakeholder renewable energy projects.