Thor Larson

MBA 212: Energy and Environmental Markets (Haas)

TA for Lucas Davis (Spring 2026)

This course is about the economics of energy and environmental markets. Topics include the drivers of supply and demand, organized spot and futures markets, market power and regulation, energy transportation and storage, environmental policy, climate change, innovation, and the energy transition. While the course focuses on energy and the environment, the emphasis is on microeconomic tools that are broadly applicable. The syllabus is available upon request.

[Course website] [Evaluations]

Testimonials:

"Thor created an accessible environment where I felt could ask foundational questions."

"He is a talented TA; the best, most professional TA I've worked with at Berkeley. His section material was well organized and engaging. His running of the ESG game was very clear and timely. His ability to talk through problems and pivot his style to help people understand concepts is a really impressive skill set. Truly a pleasure to work with."

"Thor is thoughtful and excited to help students engage with material no matter their background and level of understanding!"

EW/XMBA 295T: Entrepreneurial Strategy (Haas)

TA for Abhishek Nagaraj (Fall 2024, Fall 2025)

Recipient of the Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award (2025)

This course provides an integrated strategy framework for innovation-based entrepreneurs. Some first-time founders believe that entrepreneurs need to “just do it” and that there is little role for strategy. Over time, however, most founders realize what experienced entrepreneurs and investors already know: two equally capable companies with very similar ideas and founded at the same time can have dramatically different outcomes. One creates millions of dollars in value, while the other fails completely. The difference? Strikingly different strategy. In the first module, the class covers four key strategic choices that shape when and how startups deliver real value to their stakeholders. The second module explains how such choices can be organized into 4 different strategic “playbooks” to systematically evaluate alternate strategies for a startup. The third module consists of the application of this framework to a real startup and a debrief with the founder. This class has the goal of transforming each student from someone with a vague understanding of the role of strategy in entrepreneurship to a master of strategic thinking in a startup environment. The syllabus is available upon request.

[Course website] [Evaluations]

Testimonials:

"He was amazing at corralling this very diverse group of students and making everyone feel included."

"Thor was simply the best-organized, prepared, and interactive TA we've had. Awesome job helping the class run smoothly and efficiently, which resulted in making the class that much more enjoyable interesting and relevant!"

"Thor is an amazing TA - patient, clear, responsive, and really really sharp to boot... Hands down the best TA I've had in my 3 years at Haas."

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