Zhichao James Xi

Public Policy / Marketing, Class of 2025

• Minor: Geography

• Hometown: Millburn, NJ

• Activities at Rutgers: Eagleton Institute of Politics Undergraduate Associate; past President, Rutgers Association of Marketing & Strategy; Chinese Christian Fellowship President, Rutgers University Mock Trial Association member, Emmaus Rutgers; First-Year Interest Group Seminar (FIGS) Instructor; Eagleton Political Journal Writer

 

Whether he’s writing skits, playing badminton or table tennis, identifying bird or tree species, or talking about energy transition strategies, Zhichao James Xi is always exploring what makes a person and experience unique and interesting.

His sense of purpose first surfaced in third grade, when he walked into career day dressed as an environmental lawyer. “I can’t remember exactly what caused it, but I can remember feeling incredibly connected to defending my environment,” James said. “I fumed at the greed of politicians and corporations and believed that as a lawyer, I would be equipped to fight them.” 

As he got older, what began as frustration at corporate greed and political inaction matured into curiosity and conviction. High school debate competitions helped him channel that energy. 

“The stubborn nihilism and anger I had when I was young became critical and curious about the practicality of a clean energy transition or protecting forests,” he said. “I fell in love with navigating stakeholders and impacts—and the art of compelling someone to choose the right decision.”

Rutgers was a flexible option that allowed him to be near family, save money, and still meet lots of people. “Rutgers has been an amazing experience. It feels like I know someone from everywhere, and it’s incredibly fulfilling,” he said. “After four years, I know how to get anywhere without a map and have so many friends and mentors that I know exactly who to ask for something.”

“Rutgers is exactly what I had hoped for, and it is undoubtedly the impact of the kind professors, mentors, and friends that have accompanied me.”

It also provided him with the space to continue exploring that sense of purpose. He discovered the Bloustein School through a FIGS (First-Year Interest Group Seminar) course. Pairing a major in public policy with marketing and a minor in geography provides a practical foundation to better understand how people, messaging, and place all shape policy outcomes.

A defining moment came during his sophomore year, when he enrolled in Public Economic Policy with Dr. Ben Witherell, Chief Economist at the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. “I was fascinated by how economics drove policy decisions, like how much people paid on their utility bills and how New Jersey could influence a clean energy transition,” he said. That fascination grew into mentorship, with Dr. Witherell helping James secure internships at both the NJBPU and Solar Landscape.

At NJBPU, James drafted policy memos on clean electricity legislation and helped build a repository to track utility financing. Simultaneously, at Solar Landscape—a company regulated by BPU—he saw how smart regulation could drive equitable growth in the renewable sector. “By being a part of the public and private sectors, I saw how the energy industry weaved economics, politics, and science into a beautiful tapestry that I wanted to be a part of.”

James’s time at Rutgers has been defined by deep engagement across campus and beyond. As president of both the Rutgers Association of Marketing & Strategy and the Chinese Christian Fellowship, and an Eagleton Institute of Politics Undergraduate Associate, James immersed himself in roles that reflected both his leadership and his faith. “Being a Christian is the most important part of my life,” he said. “Serving and getting involved on campus is a direct result of my faith.”

After graduation, James will join Shell in Houston, TX, as part of its graduate development program. “Typically, my friends have a guttural reaction when I mention I will work at a fossil fuel company,” he said. “But my decision is much more nuanced.” 

Having already experienced work in the renewable, regulatory, and economic sectors, he recognizes that every part of the industry has a practical role to play in the clean energy transition. For James, Shell is a step in his broader, long-term vision for contributing to a clean energy future. Law school and a career in energy policy remain firmly in his sights.

“Public Policy is the most practical major for those considering work in a state/federal agency or legislative body,” he finished. “The professors are incredibly passionate about making policy changes and are filled with expertise—go to their office hours!”