Dr. Rebecca Ford Centre for Sustainability, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand T: +64 3 479 5220 � M: +64 21 305 377 � @: [email protected]
Personal Statement
I am a multi-‐disciplinary scholar whose research focuses on energy challenges and transitions for a sustainable future. I am the Deputy Director and Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Sustainability, University of Otago, New Zealand, where I lead two multi-‐disciplinary research teams on projects related to energy transitions, exploring the potential impacts on infrastructure, energy culture, and environment. I am interested in how people interact with energy systems, and how social science and technological insights can be co-‐developed to better inform policy related to resource efficiency, carbon emissions, energy development and energy resilience. I was awarded a DPhil in Engineering from the University of Oxford in 2010, and since completing my studies I have broadened my knowledge and extended my scope of research through subsequent academic appointments across three different divisions (commerce, science, and humanities) as well as through collaborative work with researchers from a range of disciplines both within New Zealand and internationally. Both the skills I honed in my engineering training, as well as those acquired in subsequent academic positions – including expertise in research design, development, evaluation, and management – have proved extremely valuable for planning research programmes and managing large multi-‐disciplinary teams. Alongside my position at the Centre for Sustainability, I am an Honorary Research Associate at Victoria University of Wellington, where I contribute to the Smart Power and Renewable Energy Systems Group through the supervision of PhD students. I have a demonstrated ability to lead research teams as well as work independently, to supervise others, and to successfully disseminate research to a wide variety of audiences. I am highly motivated and committed to continuing research excellence, both through further developing my own research agenda, as well as convening and leading multi-‐disciplinary research teams capable of tackling some of our most pressing issues around energy and the environment.
Academic Experience and Education (Detail overleaf)
Deputy Director and Senior Research Fellow, Centre For Sustainability, University of Otago, NZ, 03/2015 – present Honorary Research Associate, Victoria University of Wellington, NZ, 03/2015 -‐ present Lecturer, School of Engineering and Computer Science, Victoria University of Wellington, NZ, 11/2013 – 03/2015 Postdoctoral Fellow, Centre for Sustainability, University of Otago, NZ, 05/2011 – 10/2013 Research Assistant, Navetas Energy Management Ltd., UK, 01/2011 – 04/2011 DPhil (Engineering Science), Christ Church, University of Oxford, UK, 10/2006 – 01/2010 Lecturer, Tutor, and Lab Demonstrator, Engineering Department, University of Oxford, UK, 10/2006 – 06/2008 Engineering Science MEng (First Class), Trinity College, University of Oxford, UK, 10/2002 – 06/2006
Awards and Research Grants
Stanford University Precourt Energy Efficiency Fellowship (2014, 2010) Lead Investigator, Household Energy End Use Study, funding from Powerco and Unison, $70,000 (2013-‐present) Lead Investigator, 2050 Pathways New Zealand, funded by National Energy Research Institute, $80,000 (2013-‐14). Co-‐lead Investigator, Lighting Vanuatu, funded by Australian Aid, $75,829 (2013). Lead Investigator, Energy Transitions: Home and Transport, funded by New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, $40,000 (2013). Lead Investigator (Demand Side Research Stream), Renewable Energy and the Smart Grid, funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), $1,500,000 (2012-‐18). Key Researcher, Energy Cultures 2, funded by MBIE, $3,199,684 (2012-‐14). EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) DPhil Studentship (2006-‐2009). Presidential Commendation from Trinity College in recognition of Finals results, Oxford (2006). Best Performance in Biomedical Engineering Prize (2006). Scholarship from Trinity College and Fozmula Bursary in Engineering Science (2003-‐2006).
Publications
Karlin, B., Zinger, J. & Ford, R. The Effects of Feedback on Energy Conservation: A Preliminary Theory and Meta-Analysis. Psychology Bulletin. In press. Karlin, B., Ford, R. & McPherson Frantz, C. (2015) Exploring Deep Savings: A Toolkit for Assessing Behavior-Based Energy Interventions. In 2015 International Energy Program Evaluation Conference, Long Beach, CA. August 11-13. In press. Karlin, B., Ford, R., Nasser, V., Wu, A., & McPherson Frantz, C. (2015). What Do We Know About What We Know? A Review of Behaviour-Based Energy Efficiency Data Collection Methodology. Report prepared for the International Energy Agency Energy Technology Initiative on Demand Side Management Technologies and Programmes. Karlin, B., Ford, R., Sanguinetti, A., Squiers, C., Gannon, J., Rajukumar, M., & Donnelly, K. A. (2015). Characterization and Potential of Home Energy Management (HEM) Technology. San Francisco, CA: Pacific Gas and Electric. Stephenson, J., Barton, B., Carrington, C., Doering, A., Ford, R., Hopkins, D., Lawson, R., McCarthy, A., Rees, D., Scott, M., Thorsnes, P., Walton, S., Williams, J., & Wooliscroft, B. (2015). The energy cultures framework: Exploring the role of norms, practices and material culture in shaping energy behaviour in New Zealand. Energy Research & Social Science, 7, 117-123. Ford, R., Stephenson, J., Scott, M., Williams, J., Rees, D., & Wooliscroft, B. (2015). Keen on EVs: Kiwi perspectives on electric vehicles, and opportunities to stimulate uptake. Centre for Sustainability, University of Otago. ISBN 978-0-9941219-6-7. Palmiro, F., Rayudu, R., & Ford, R. (2014). A 480W Photovoltaic Water Pumping System for Remote Regions Communities. In Electronics New Zealand Conference (ENZCon), Hamilton, November 20-21. Ford, R., Stephenson, J., Scott, M., Williams, J., Wooliscroft, B., King, G., & Miller, A. (2014). Photovoltaic (PV) Uptake in NZ: The story so far. Centre for Sustainability, University of Otago. ISBN 978-0-473-29925-5. King, G., Stephenson, J., & Ford, R. (2014). PV in Blueskin: Drivers, barriers and enablers of uptake of household photovoltaic systems in the Blueskin communities, Otago, New Zealand. Centre for Sustainability, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. ISBN 978-0-473-29447-2. Ford, R., Sumavsk, O., Clarke, A., & Thorsnes, P. (2014). Personalized Energy Priorities: A User-Centric Application for Energy Advice. In Design, User Experience, and Usability. User Experience Design for Everyday Life Applications and Services (pp. 542-553). Springer International Publishing. Ford, R., Penn, J., Liu, Y. C., Nixon, K., Cronje, W., & McCulloch, M. (2014). User-Centred Design of an Audio Feedback System for Power Demand Management. In Design, User Experience, and Usability. User Experience Design for Everyday Life Applications and Services (pp. 530-541). Springer International Publishing. Ford, R., Doering, A., & Stephenson, J. (2014). Transport Transitions in New Zealand: A scoping study. Centre for Sustainability, University of Otago. ISBN 9-780-473-27690-4. Ford, R., Stephenson, J., Brown, N., & Stiehler, W. (2014). Energy Transitions: Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS). Centre for Sustainability. ISBN 978-0-473-27692-8; 978-0-473-27691-1. Swete-Kelly, D., Walton, S., Ford, R., Doering, A., & Gabriel, C (2014). Lighting Vanuatu – Independent Evaluation Plan. Report prepared for AusAID as part of the Independent Completion review of AusAID’s Lighting Vanuatu project. Karlin, B., Ford, R. & Squiers, C. (2014). Energy Feedback Technology: A Review and Taxonomy of Products and Platforms. Energy Efficiency, 7(3), 377-399. DOI: 10.1177/0013916512467532. Ford, R., McCulloch, M., Helfer, T., & Surrall, S. (2013). Suricatta: A platform to model smart grid technologies in the distribution system. In Innovative Smart Grid Technologies Europe (ISGT EUROPE), 2013 4th IEEE/PES (pp. 1-5). IEEE. Ford, R., & Karlin, B. (2013). Graphical displays in eco-feedback: a cognitive approach. In Design, User Experience, and Usability. Web, Mobile, and Product Design (pp. 486-495). Springer Berlin Heidelberg. Karlin, B., & Ford, R. (2013). The Usability Perception Scale (UPscale): A measure for evaluating feedback displays. In Design, User Experience, and Usability. Design Philosophy, Methods, and Tools (pp. 312-321). Springer Berlin Heidelberg. Ford, R. (2010). Reducing Domestic Energy Through Behaviour Modification. D.Phil Thesis, Engineering Department, University of Oxford. Scott, M.G., McCarthy, A., Ford, R., Stephenson, J., & Gorrie, S. A comparison of two approaches to energy interventions: A mixed methods review. Submitted to Energy Efficiency. Under review. Palmiro, F., Rayudu, R., & Ford, R. Modelling and Simulation of a Solar PV Lithium Ion Battery Charger for Energy Kiosk Application. Submitted to IEEE PES Asia-Pacific Power and Energy Engineering Conference 2015 (IEEE PES APPEEC 2015). Under review. Ford, R., & Walton, S. Energy Transitions in Developing Nations: Enablers and Impacts of the Speedy Transformation from Kerosene to Solar in Vanuatu. In preparation.
Invited Talks and Conference Presentations
The rise of PV: opportunities and barriers for socio-technical transition. International Sustainability Transitions Conference, SPRU, University of Sussex, UK, 25-28 August 2015. Our Industry, Our Future. Invited presenter on International Perspectives panel. A CENZ (Association of Consultant Engineers NZ) Conference, Hanmer Springs, NZ, 1 August 2015. PV Uptake in NZ: Research Based Insights from the GREEN Grid project. EMANZ (Energy Management Association NZ) Conference, Wellington, NZ, 25 May 2015. Beyond Household Demand: PV Uptake in NZ and Energy Use and Management Opportunities in Homes. GREEN Grid Industry Conference, Christchurch, NZ, 5 November 2014. Home energy management systems: capabilities and potential impacts on efficiency. The Energy Conference, Wellington, NZ, 19-21 March 2014. Technology to the Rescue! Challenges and Opportunities for a Smarter Energy System. Invited Seminar at the University of Otago, NZ, 7 October 2013. Interdisciplinarity in Action: Energy Cultures as a concept, a framework, and an organising principle. Invited talk at the Empowering Sustainability Conference, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA, 22 July 2013. Keynote at The Garrison Institute’s Climate, Mind and Behaviour Symposium, Garrison, NY, USA, 11 June 2013 Lighting Vanuatu Through the Energy Cultures Lens. Invited Seminar at the Centre for Sustainability, University of Otago, NZ, 23 October 2014. Otago Energy Research Centre Symposium 2012, Dunedin, Otago, NZ, 22 November 2012. HEAPs of Change: The Energy Cultures Intervention Study. Otago Energy Research Centre Symposium 2012, Talk, Dunedin, Otago, NZ, 22 November 2012. Invited Seminar at the Centre for Sustainability, Dunedin, Otago, NZ, 1 November 2012. Energy Cultures: A Framework for Interdisciplinary Research. The Garrison Institute’s Climate, Mind and Behaviour Symposium, Garrison, NY, USA, 17 February 2012. Energy Advice: Insights from the Energy Cultures Framework. Community Energy Network (CEN) Home Energy Advice Expert Meeting, Wellington, NZ, 9 February 2012. User Interfaces: Design Principles that Work. Invited talk at the Energy Management Expert Meeting at Behaviour Energy and Climate Change (BECC) Conference, Washington DC, 2 December 2011. Eco-Feedback in the Home: What Consumers Want. Behaviour Energy and Climate Change, (BECC) Conference, Washington DC, 2 December 2011. Energy: What is it, where does it come from, and how do we use it? Centre for Unconventional Security Affairs (CUSA), Sustainable Seminar Series, Irvine, CA, 11 May 2011. Lightening the Load: Empowering Individuals to Reduce Their Electricity Consumption at Home. Behaviour Energy and Climate Change (BECC) Conference, Sacramento, CA, USA, 15 November 2010.
Professional Activities
Program Committee member for the Behaviour Energy and Climate Change Conference 2015. Moderator for the Behaviour Energy and Climate Change Conference, Washington DC, December 7-‐10 2014. Co-‐chair of the 2050 Pathways New Zealand Steering Committee, 2014-‐15. Chair of the Victoria University of Wellington Energy Research Collective, 2014-‐15. Consulting for Pacific Gas and Electric (USA) on home energy management opportunities and impacts, 2014. Steering Committee Member for the Centre for Academic Development (VUW) Orientation Review, 2014-‐15. Steering Committee Member for the Dunedin (New Zealand) Cosy Homes Initiative, 2014. Steering Committee Member for the National Energy Research Institute Energy Conference in New Zealand, 2014. Examiner for Master’s Thesis (2 external, 1 internal), 2012-‐present. Reviewer for IEEE Power and Energy Society; IEEE Sensors Journal; Energy Efficiency Journal, 2013-‐present Leadership Council Member for the Garrison Institute’s Climate, Mind, and Behaviour Program, 2012-‐present. Sustainability Coordinator, Centre for Sustainability, University of Otago, 2013. Member of the Otago Energy Research Centre Steering Committee, 2012-‐13. Consulting for Might River Power, a New Zealand based electricity generator and retailer, 2012-‐13. Consulting for Enistic Ltd. to evaluate building standby and background load, 2006-‐07.
Academic Experience and Education -‐ Detail
Deputy Director/Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Sustainability, University of Otago, NZ, 03/2015 – present • Main research projects include: (1) Renewable Energy and the Smart Grid; (2) New Zealand’s 2050
Pathways; (3) Energy Transitions: Home and Transport; and (4) Lighting Vanuatu. • Research focus on: (1) development, deployment, and evaluation of solutions for improved energy and
resource effectiveness; (2) human interaction with energy related technologies; and (3) behavioural impacts of demand (mainly energy) interventions.
Lecturer, School of Engineering and Computer Science, Victoria University of Wellington, NZ, 11/2013 – 03/2015 Honorary Research Associate, 03/2015 – present
• Tenured faculty position in the School of Engineering and Computer Science. • Main tasks: (1) designing and conducting research; (2) supervision of PhD students; (3) disseminating
research via journal publications and conference presentations; (4) assisting with future grant applications; and (5) contributing to first year engineering and computer science courses ENGR 101 and ENGR 110.
Postdoctoral Fellow, Centre for Sustainability, University of Otago, NZ, 05/2011 – 10/2013 • Conducted research on energy transitions in the home and transport sectors, behavioural changes
following feedback and other interventions, and impacts of energy behaviours on household demand. • Responsible for overseeing the design, delivery, and evaluation of the Home Energy Advice Project,
delivered jointly by the University of Otago and the Blueskin Resilient Communities Trust. Research Assistant, Navetas Energy Management Ltd., UK, 01/2011 – 04/2011
• Responsible for designing and evaluating a trial, funded by the UK Technology Strategy Board (TSB), to assess the impact of the Navetas Home Energy Monitor on user behaviour.
DPhil (Engineering Science), Christ Church, University of Oxford, 10/2006 – 01/2010 • Doctoral thesis titled “Reducing Domestic Energy Consumption Through Behaviour Modification”. • Main emphasis on the provision of disaggregated electricity feedback, including: (1) determining key
motivational elements for behaviour change and translating to product criteria; (2) data collection and signal analysis; and (3) development of algorithms for appliance identification.
Engineering Science MEng (First Class), Trinity College, University of Oxford, 10/2002 –06/2006 • Specializing in Electrical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering.
Teaching Experience
Lecturer, Otago University, 2015 – present, 2012 – 2013 Delivering the Energy Module of the 3rd year Environment and Society course. This course is multi-‐disciplinary and looks at energy supply, demand, and behaviour change. Lecturer, Victoria University of Wellington, 2013 – 2014 Responsible for designing and delivering two first year engineering courses and contributing to an online module on energy and climate. Lecturer, Trinity College, Oxford University, 2007 Delivering a course of 8 lectures dealing with 4th year electronics and optics topics. Tutor, Engineering Department, Oxford University, 2006 – 2008 Conducting tutorials for 1st year to 4th year students studying Engineering, including papers on Electricity and Magnetism, and Power Electronics. Laboratory demonstrator, Engineering Department, Oxford University, 2006 – 2008 Assisting with running of electrical labs for the undergraduate students.
Courses, Qualifications and Skills
Mixed Methods in Social Science Research, course by the New Zealand Social Statistics Network, 07/2012. SPSS Statistics Overview, course by the University of Otago, 06/2011. Experienced in statistical analysis using SPSS, signal processing and harmonic analysis using Matlab, and program coding in Matlab and C.
References
References can be provided upon request.