Dr. John Banks

Assistant Professor

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Biography

John Banks is a Senior Lecturer at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) with over 30 years of experience in the energy industry, focusing on consulting, academia, and leadership in think tanks. He joined SAIS in 2008, initially as an adjunct professor and transitioned to a full-time faculty member in 2016. Banks currently serves as a faculty co-lead for the Development, Climate, and Sustainability focus area within the two-year Master of Arts in International Relations program. He teaches Global Electricity Markets and leads the Energy Environment Practicum, an innovative course where MAIR students collaborate with external client organizations to address energy policy challenges. A two-time recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award, he has overseen numerous student research projects on electricity access and clean energy. His research interests include the transformation of the global electricity sector, technological innovations, and policy impacts on decarbonization efforts. Notably, he has published works assessing electricity markets and sustainable energy models in the U.S. and internationally. Prior to his academic role, Banks spent 20 years advising on energy policy and security, holding positions at various consulting firms and think tanks, including the Brookings Institution. He holds a Master of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University.

Research Interests

Experience

Senior Lecturer

2016-01-01 — Present

Johns Hopkins University • Washington DC

Lectures on various topics including energy policy and market dynamics, and oversees student research projects.

Nonresident Senior Fellow

2009-01-01 — 2018-01-01

Brookings Institution • Washington DC

Conducted research on energy security and policy, focusing on the electricity sector and innovation.

Courses

Global Electricity Markets Energy Environment Practicum Sustainable Energy Online Program

Requirements for Johns Hopkins University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree Inorganic Chemistry with Lab Organic Chemistry with Lab General Biology with Lab
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • CV
  • Personal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
Specialization Notes

Department of Pathology - PhD in Pathobiology. GRE is not required.