Personal statement

I joined the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering (EEE) at Strathclyde in 1998 as post-doctorial researcher in the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre, joining academic staff as a lecturer in 2006. I am now Professor of Compact Power Systems and presently serving as Vice Dean – Knowledge Exchange, in the Faculty of Engineering, having previously held the position of Deputy Head of the EEE Department. My research covers a broad range of challenges, from novel energy distribution for aircraft which focus on minimising weight and emissions reductions; the electrification of heat and transport related to the net-zero transition; to tacking the technical challenges faced in developing countries with highly distributed and localised generation. In each case my background in mathematical optimisation and fundamental knowledge of power system operation provides a critical component. The work I undertake offers both academic novelty to the research community, informs policy makers and provides strategic benefit to industry. I am the Academic Director of the TIC Low Carbon Power and Energy Partnership that is linking technical expertise from the University of Strathclyde to support innovation and net-zero delivery in the energy sector with industry partners ScottishPower and SSE. Directorate member of ClimateXChange Centre that is connecting climate change researchers with Scottish policy makers. Invited member of the Scottish Government expert panels (advising on delivery of Scottish demonstrator projects). Based on my experience with managing off-grid energy projects in Africa I was appointed as the Chair of the Scotland Malawi Partnership’s Energy Forum and to the strategic advisory board for the EPSRC JUICE (Joint UK-India Clean Energy) Centre that focuses on deployment solutions for energy decarbonisation and the built environment in both countries. Editor-in-Chief for the IET journal in Electrical Systems for Transportation.