Akin was the Manager of Research and Analysis with the Alliance through April 2022. In this role, Akin conducted quantitative and qualitative analysis on federal energy efficiency legislation, policies, and programs and provides research assistance for primary Strategic Initiatives like the Active Efficiency Collaborative. He also supported content creation for the Collaborative website, with a focus on supporting case study development.

Before joining the Alliance to Save Energy, Akin worked as a Radio Frequency Engineer with Sprint Wireless, followed by a two-year stint in the nonprofit world doing youth development work.

In recent years, Akin has turned his attention to environmental impact work. At the Walton Family Foundation, he worked on strategies for improving water quality in the Mississippi river basin. As an Environmental Defense Fund Climate Corps Fellow, he worked with the Maryland Port Administration, helping develop their fleet electrification strategy from an operational and environmental standpoint given the unique working conditions of seaports.

Akin holds three master’s degrees in physics (Western Illinois University), public policy (University of Michigan - Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy), and sustainable systems (University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability).