Austin Blanton is an MPP candidate at the Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs interested in the intersection between environmental justice, sustainability, and international development. Prior to Yale, Austin was a senior consultant in the energy, sustainability, and infrastructure (ES&I) practice at Guidehouse, where he supported clients at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of Transportation. He also helped lead contract support for a number of major initiatives under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including the FAA Fleet Electrification Program. Through the United Nations Volunteers (UNV), Austin served as a volunteer program manager for sustainable development programs at Ecoresolve, a nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating ecosystem restoration and conservation through cutting-edge technology, science, and community engagement.

Austin graduated summa cum laude from George Washington University with a bachelor's degree in international affairs, attaining proficiency in Russian through a study abroad program at Moscow International University. At Jackson, he intends to craft a curriculum that allows him to explore his interests in sustainable development, the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities, and Chinese language. Following his MPP program, Austin hopes to work with the United Nations Development Programme to deliver solutions to eliminate poverty, improve access to clean water and sanitation services, and develop climate resilience.