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Curran Crawford’s research develops and applies computational tools to optimize renewable energy system designs and operations. Application areas include offshore wind and tidal energy, electrified transportation, e-fuels production and carbon capture and sequestration, in partnership with communities and industry, and together with researchers outside engineering.

Institute for Integrated Energy Systems (IESVic)

Q&A with Curran Crawford

Brad Buckham improves designs and operating strategies for offshore technologies using computer simulations. As director of the Pacific Regional Institute for Marine Energy Discovery, he provides international leadership in the study of critical marine energy issues, human dimensions of energy, education and training, and works closely with industry, not-for-profits, and government. His current work includes wave and tidal energy innovations in communities.

Institute for Integrated Energy Systems (IESVic)

Ned Djilali’s work in fuel cell science and technology has shaped the field and includes pioneering computational modeling and design methods that have been adopted by industry. His research program addresses the challenges of large-scale integration of renewable energy, identifies long term pathways for energy and water sustainability, and informs policy.

Tamara Krawchenko specializes in comparative public policy and territorial development. Her scholarship focusses on understanding local/regional assets, challenges and opportunities, and supporting communities to meet their development goals. She has led international research programs on sustainability transitions, urban and rural development, Indigenous economies, and land use governance.

Institute for Integrated Energy Systems (IESVic)

Basma Majerbi’s research focuses on climate-related financial risks and opportunities and environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors in investment decisions. She consults with the International Monetary Fund and leads a multi-disciplinary Impact Investing Hub that accelerates investment in clean technology and helps SMEs and investors adopt ESG principles and align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Institute for Integrated Energy Systems (IESVic)

Madeleine McPherson’s expertise lies in sustainable energy systems integration and transitions. She is the co-founder of the Energy Modelling Hub, which convenes modellers and decision makers to support effective policy. Her research focuses on questions relating to variable renewable energy integration, demand response initiatives, utility-scale and behind-the-meter storage technologies, and integrating transport, power, buildings and water systems.

Institute for Integrated Energy Systems (IESVic)

Heidi Kiiwetinepinesiik Stark (Turtle Mountain Ojibwe) specializes in Indigenous law, treaty politics and governance. She is committed to the resurgence of Indigenous legal traditions and institutions that can enable the restoration of relational ways of living, accounting for human responsibilities to the land, waters and other than human relatives. Her strengths also lie in community-engaged research methods and research implementation in Indigenous governance.

Centre for Indigenous Research & Community-Led Engagement

is a Professor in the UBC Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and an Associate Director at the UBC Clean Energy Research Centre. Her research spans from technical solutions around clean energy to understanding complexities around collaborative and sustainability education. She is engaged in around the climate emergency and is establishing the to foster systems perspectives to tackle complex challenges.

Thomas Homer-Dixon is an adjunct professor with the School of Environment and Sustainability and the founder and director of the at Royal Roads University. His research is focused on threats to global security in the 21st century, including economic instability, climate change, and energy scarcity and on how people, organizations, and societies can better resolve their conflicts and innovate in response to complex problems.

Michael Ross’ research program is governed and directed by northern electric power utilities, and in partnership with northern communities and Indigenous governments. His research focuses on integrating a high penetration of renewable generation in remote communities, diesel efficiencies, demand-side management, and microgrids as they pertain to northern and remote electric power systems. 

Samaneh Shahgaldi is an Associate Professor at the University of Quebec and an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Waterloo. She holds the Canada Research Chair (CRC) at proton exchange membrane fuel cells and electrolyzer. She is an award-wining researcher and chair of scientific committee and a member of the editorial board of the International Journal of Green Energy. She was also a Senior Research Scientist at Cummins/ Hydrogenics dealing with different Fuel Cell and Water electrolyzer projects. She has published more than 50 scientific papers with more than 2000 citations.

Lana is a contracting expert who centres collaboration, transparency and personal integrity in her work. A UVic alumna with more than a decade of experience as a research administrator, she empowers research innovation through meticulous and equitable contract management—reviewing, negotiating and drafting essential agreements between academic, government, industry and community partners. In her spare time, Lana composes and produces music (swiftly, all too well) and enjoys the local beaches and hiking trails of southern Vancouver Island.

Phil is an award-winning storyteller and communications generalist with multiple areas of specialization, including communications strategy, branding, media relations, reputation management and partner engagement. In his (relatively) short time on this earth, Phil has been a canoe guide, competition-trained barista, kids' camp art director, manure schlepper, forklift operator, radio show host, party DJ, landscaper, telemarketer, bartender and political organizer. One of these is a lie, but which?

Alison is an executive assistant par excellence whose decade+ in early childhood education well prepared her for a role managing unpredictability, harnessing an abundance of energy, and finding harmony in sometimes cacophonic spaces. Her primary drive is to help others by setting them up for success in whatever way that works for them, using whatever set of skills is required for the moment. She says that sarcasm is her second language — and she’s maybe still figuring out her first. 

Parmila Devi is an environmental scientist and project manager combining technical expertise with strategic leadership to drive sustainable solutions. Specializing in wastewater treatment, waste management, and environmental chemistry, she applies advanced techniques across biology, chemical engineering, and environmental sciences. Her research naturally evolved into project management, where she leads multi-million-dollar interdisciplinary initiatives. Parmila is dedicated to bridging research and real-world impact to solve environmental challenges and advance sustainability. 

Pete is a research and data analyst with a penchant for quantifying the qualitative value of a healthy and vibrant global ecosystem. He brings to the table a broad set of skills in strategic planning, knowledge mobilization, predictive modeling and environmental economics. When he’s not at the desk finding new ways to measure success and demonstrate impact, he can usually be found climbing up a mountain (sometimes hanging from an ice axe) or trying to keep up with his border collie, Tallie.

Cecilia works at the intersection between strategy, engagement, and sustainability. Her experience spans local, regional, and provincial governments including climate implementation, rural innovation, communications, energy policy and program development, and partnerships. She is passionate about climate justice, youth inclusion in decision-making, and mindfulness for supporting collective wellbeing. In her spare time, you can find Cecilia at the pottery studio, climbing mountains, or talking to anyone who will listen about how much she loves living in Nelson BC.  

Ian is a financial administrator with a passion for accessibility and transparency in financial reporting. With more than a decade of experience in account management, financial compliance and policy development in public and private sectors, he now says he “doesn't know what's more interesting than a spreadsheet to be honest.” Ian is a lifelong learner who reads anything from Sci-Fi to sociology and mystery to science history.  His only party trick is reciting pi to 80 decimal places. 

With a background in psychology and data science, Nas brings a mix of analytical thinking, curiosity and compassion to her work. Whether she’s engaged in research, creative problem-solving or community engagement, she thrives in roles that blend logic with intuition and interpersonal connection. When she’s not deep in a project, you can find her reading, honing her technical skills or fostering meaningful relationships.

Ryan has over a decade of experience working in municipal, provincial and federal politics. His expertise is in relationship development and management, strategy, public policy, political messaging and communication. His career spans politics, municipal government, federal advocacy and post-secondary education. He is passionate about community-based leadership and technology innovation as critical to making meaningful change in the world. In his spare time, you will find Ryan traveling, camping, reading a book or spending time with his dog.