After studying abroad in Germany's solar capital, Freiburg am Breisgau, Alison became enamored with solar energy. In the fall of 2006, Alison received a Fulbright Scholarship to the Technical University of Berlin, which allowed her to get an even closer look at the world's largest, most successful solar industry. While interning at the German Solar Industry Association, Alison plunged into Germany's solar power culture, frequenting renewable energy and solar energy conferences and workshops and helping German solar businesses better understand the US market. During her time at the Industry Association, she also gained valuable insights into what it takes to build a viable and thriving solar industry based off the German model. Alison holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Bachelor of Arts in German from Oregon State University.

Colorado Connections: A Colorado resident by choice since the Fall of 2007, Alison is excited to be back in the US, and especially back in the beautiful mountains of Colorado, where she spent many happy summers. Alison lives in Boulder.