Welcome to any new and returning readers! Dr Abram’s new cohort has settled in and we would like to take a brief moment to introduce ourselves individually. This year’s class, as in previous years, comes from across the world and have had varying experiences and backgrounds in industry and education.
The photo below shows us after our first site visit of the year – to the hydroelectric turbine at Freeman’s Reach, which has now been operational for just over a year.
As in previous years, we are keen to engage our growing audience, with news of events and experiences the class has had, as well as the inclusion of individual features. In a field that is growing rapidly, we hope to provide new and personal insights into the world of Energy and Society.
Alastair Bingham
Alastair is from Maidenhead (Berkshire) and studied at Durham University for his undergraduate degree, having graduated earlier this year with a BSc in Geology. He has a keen interest in the different mechanisms by which energy can be acquired as well as current attempts to implement renewable alternatives in today’s society. Alastair is particularly keen on broadening his knowledge to include the sociological view on energy having had a background in physical science at undergraduate level. He is also the editor of this year’s blog! Outside of Energy and Society Alastair is a keen swimmer; having swum at regional and national level and as the current holder of 4 individual university records.
Christopher Cano-Fernandez
Christopher comes from Panama having worked for the transmission utility as an electrical engineer for almost 3 years before joining the course. He did a BSc in electrical and electronics engineering from the Technological University of Panama and also completed an M.Eng. in Engineering Management from the University of Louisville. He has a particular interest in electricity markets and the impacts distributed generation are having on energy economics. The reason for choosing Durham University for further studies came from the interdisciplinary nature of the master degree course, the optional modules available for election and the research that is being done at the Durham Energy Institute.
James Davies
James lives in Newcastle but is originally from Chorley in Lancashire. He is studying part-time whilst continuing to work at the North East LEP as Programme Manager for the Innovation Programme and Enterprise Zone sites. With a background in policy development, research and economic development James is particularly interested in understanding the potential for innovation in energy systems and networks to support sustainable and inclusive approaches to economic growth. Outside of the course interests in hill-walking, architecture and history fill up the remaining time.
Kurtulus Deger
Kurtulus is a Civil Engineer, holding an MSc degree in Energy Engineering, and is pursuing a PhD degree in Energy Systems Engineering in Turkey. In his early career, he worked for three years at General Directorate of Renewable Energy of Turkey on several renewable energy projects and served as an expert at an EU Agency; the Agriculture and Rural Development Support Institute for nearly ten years on sustainable development issues. Kurtulus was awarded a Chevening Scholarship for 2017/2018 to carry out his studies at Durham University as an MSc Energy and Society student. His fields of interest are renewable energy, climate change, sustainability, energy transition, energy scenarios, energy policy and security, decentralised energy systems, urban transition, energy storage, exergy, hybrid energy systems and wind power.
Luke Lobo
Luke is entering his 9th year at Durham University. Originally joining the university in 2009, he fell in love with the city whilst studying an MSci Maths and Physics. Luke then worked in performance sport for 4 years, managing postgraduate sport at Durham. He has a long-standing interest in the energy sector, and is pursuing the MSc Energy and Society due to its unique socio-technical approach. His research interests include privacy and ethics associated with energy and energy forecasting. Away from academia Luke is passionate about sport, technology and photography.
Farah Naureen Samuel
Farah from Pakistan, a nature enthusiast and a development practitioner, brings a long 6 years of professional experience in the fields of environment, energy and education. She studied her undergrad in Environmental Sciences in Pakistan and is now studying Energy and Society at Durham. Farah is keen on learning the relationship dynamics between low-cost innovative energy solutions and entrepreneurship and aims at developing a sound understanding of the social aspect of energy projects especially within rural settings. Farah wants to work with the corporates in Pakistan to introduce efficient energy consumption schemes and to reduce carbon footprint via sustainable energy practices.
Jingmeng Wang
Jingmeng comes from China and is twenty-three. She majored in Energy Economics during her undergraduate years Jingmeng is interested in natural gas and wants to learn more about renewable energy resources, which explains her desire to be on this course in Durham. Outside of Energy and Society she loves travelling and watching football.
Stay tuned for updates and individual features throughout the year…
MSc Energy and Society 