Key People
Emeritus Professor Gerry Carrington
Gerry was until recently Head of the Physics Department at the University of Otago, and has led the Energy Research Centre initiative since 2004. He is passionate about improving the quality and integration of energy-related research in New Zealand.
Email: gerry@physics.otago.ac.nz |
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Dr Solis Norton
Solis joined the OERC in September 2008, taking on the administration role. He is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Centre, promoting researcher collaboration and links with the community, and co-ordinating Centre events. He is also involved with research at the Centre for the Study of Agriculture, Food and Environment, investigating the merits of agricultural production and management systems.
Email: solis.norton@otago.ac.nz |
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Steering Committee
Professor Rob Lawson
Rob is a member of the Marketing Department, specialising in consumer behaviour, the sociology of consumption, and bio-behaviour. His research includes lifestyle/profiles of consumers and groups of consumers, and he has a particular interest in frugality, non-consumption, and ethical consumption. He is also interested in the adoption and diffusion of ideas and innovations.
Email: rob.lawson@otago.ac.nz |
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Dr Janet Stephenson
Janet has helped to co-ordinate the development of the Energy Research Centre since mid-2005. Much of her work in relation to the Centre involves promoting researcher collaboration, and helping to develop joint research proposals.
Email: janet.stephenson@otago.ac.nz |
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Dr Paul Thorsnes
A member of the Economics Department, Paul's research focus is on environmental economics and policy. Areas of current interest are the effect on house sale prices of home owner investments in energy efficiency, and home owner valuation of the various attributes of energy-related home improvements.
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Dr Mick Abbott
Mick is a Senior Lecturer in the Design Department, whose research examines how design can influence how people engage with their environment. He is particularly interested in applying this to walkability and cycling issues relating to urban design, improved livability, reduced energy demands and improved quality of life. Also, in funded research, he is currently developing a 'Be a Bright Spark Kit'. This product seeks to provide a fun creative way for 8-12 year old children to build awareness in types of energy sources, usage and conservation.
Email: mick@design.otago.ac.nz |
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Assoc Prof Bob Lloyd
Director of the Energy Studies Programme in the Physics Department, Bob's work has long focussed on renewable energy, environmental impact of technologies, and and the relationships between energy and health. He is also interested in policy on energy supply and demand, primarily in relation to the oil sector. He has worked in wind and solar energy, and on energy in developing countries.
Email: boblloyd@physics.otago.ac.nz |
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Professor Hank Weiss
Hank has recently joined Otago to head the Injury Prevention Research Unit in the Department of Preventative and Social Medicine. His research focuses on the health impacts of different forms of active and passive transportation.
Email: hw@injurycontrol.com |
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Dr Inga Smith
A key member of the Energy Studies Programme, Inga's research interests include energy use in the transport sector, energy use in housing, renewable energy integration and climate related energy issues.
Email: inga@physics.otago.ac.nz |
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Dr Julian Eaton-Rye
Julian is working on the enzyme Photosystem II which is found in plants, algae and cyanobacteria. The enzyme utilises light energy to split water as the first step in photosynthesis. The ultimate potential is to couple water splitting to the production of hydrogen in biological or biologically-inspired systems.
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Dr Louis Leland
A member of the Psychology Department, Louis' research focuses on community behaviour change, using different techniques to prompt or encourage more energy efficient and responsible behaviour.
Email: leland@psy.otago.ac.nz |