Work with thought leaders and academic experts in energy

Companies can benefit from working with energy experts in various ways. These experts can provide valuable insights and solutions to improve energy efficiency, develop sustainable practices, and implement renewable energy technologies. They can also help companies navigate complex energy regulations, identify cost-saving opportunities, and optimize energy management strategies. Additionally, energy researchers can assist in the development of innovative products and technologies, conduct feasibility studies, and provide expert advice on energy-related projects. Collaborating with academic researchers in the field of energy can give companies a competitive edge, enhance their reputation as sustainability leaders, and contribute to a greener future.

Researchers on NotedSource with backgrounds in energy include Keisha Walters, Michael Hickner, Jim Samuel, Ryan Howell, Martin Brauch, Samiul Amin, Dr. James C. Kaufman, Bobuchi Ken-Opurum, Ph.D., Diego Bestel, Kendra Dupuy, Hanna Breetz, and Christophe Schinckus.

Keisha Walters

Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States of America
27 Years Experience
University of Arkansas
Education

Clemson University

PhD, Chemical Engineering / 2005

Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America

Clemson University

BS, Biological Sciences / 1996

Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America

Clemson University

M.S., Chemical Engineering / May, 2001

Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
Experience

University of Arkansas College of Engineering

Endowed Chair and Professor of Chemical Engineering / August, 2021 — Present

University of Oklahoma

Professor of Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering / 2016 — 2021

Developing a world-class research program in stimuli reponsive polymers and polymer-grafted nanoparticles for biomedical, energy, and environmental applications. Committed to balance and excellence in research scholarship, teaching scholarship, and service to the profession. Passionate about instilling a love of learning and curiosity about how the world works physically in future generations.

Mississippi State University

Professor of Engineering / 2005 — 2016

Professor of Chemical Engineering who is committed to research, teaching, and service. My research is focused on polymer and nanoparticle-based material design, including ‘smart’ stimuli responsive polymers, polymer-nanoparticle constructs for biomedical and energy applications, and bio-based products such as polymers and fuels.

Research Expertise (35)
Materials Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry
Polymers and Plastics
Organic Chemistry
Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes
And 30 more
About
Her research covers a broad range of topics in polymer- and nano-based materials engineering and transport modeling, which has been published in 110+ refereed technical manuscripts and presented at numerous national and international conferences. Dr. Walters’ work has been sponsored by government agencies including NSF, DOE, and DOD, and by industry partners.

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Michael Hickner

20 Years Experience
Michigan State University
Education

Virginia Tech

PhD, Chemical Engineering / 2003

Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
Experience

Michigan State University

Rogerson Endowed Professor / January, 2023 — Present

The Pennsylvania State University

July, 2007 — December, 2022

Sandia National Laboratories

Senior Member of the Technical Staff / September, 2005 — June, 2007

Postdoctoral researcher / December, 2003 — September, 2005

Research Expertise (36)
polymers : 3D printing : materials chemistry : energy : water
Colloid and Surface Chemistry
Biochemistry
Catalysis
Pollution
And 31 more
About
Michael Hickner is an accomplished researcher and educator with an extensive background in chemical engineering. He received his PhD in Chemical Engineering from Virginia Tech in 2003. For the past 15 years, Hickner has been a Rogerson Endowed Professor at Michigan State University, where he has conducted highly acclaimed research in the areas of sustainable energy technologies and nanomanufacturing. Previous to this appointment, Hickner was a Senior Member of the Technical Staff at Sandia National Laboratories, where he conducted post-doctoral research in the fields of materials science, nanotechnology, and catalysis. Given his diverse skill set and supportive leadership style, Michigan State students look to Hickner to provide them with the guidance, mentorship, and educational tools necessary to excel in the field of chemical engineering.

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Jim Samuel

11 Years Experience
Associate Professor at Rutgers University
Education

Baruch College

PhD, Information Systems / 2007

New York, New York, United States of America
Experience

Rutgers University

Associate Professor / 2021 — Present

Axivest

CIO / 2012 — Present

Research Expertise (22)
Analytics
Artificial Intelligence
Informatics
Machine Learning
NLP NLU NLG Behavioral Finance
And 17 more
About
Jim Samuel is an Associate Professor of Practice and Executive Director of the Informatics Program at the Bloustein School. He is an information and artificial intelligence (AI) scientist, with significant industry experience in finance, technology, entrepreneurship and data analytics. Dr. Samuel’s primary research covers human intelligence and artificial intelligences interaction and information philosophy.  Dr. Samuel’s applied research focuses on the optimal use of big data and smart data driven AI applications, textual analytics, natural language processing and artificially intelligent public opinion informatics. His expertise extends to socioeconomic implications of AI, applied machine learning, social media analytics, AI education and AI bias. Dr. Samuel completed his Ph.D. from the Zicklin School of Business, Baruch College – City University of New York, and he also has M.Arch and M.B.A (International Finance) degrees.  Dr. Samuel has worked with large multinational financial services corporations, and advises businesses and organizations on data analytics and AI driven value creation strategies. He is passionate about research driven thought leadership in AI, information philosophy, analytics and informatics. 

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Ryan Howell

San Francisco , California, United States of America
18 Years Experience
Professor of Psychology, Department of Psychology, San Francisco State University
Education

University of California, Riverside

PhD, Social / Personality Psychology Division / 2005

Riverside, California, United States of America

University of California, Riverside

MA, Social / Personality Psychology / 2002

Riverside, California, United States of America

Westmont College

BSc, Psychology / 1998

Santa Barbara, California, United States of America
Experience

San Francisco State University, Department of Psychology

Associate Professor / 2012 — Present

Research Expertise (34)
Happiness
Psychiatry and Mental health
Clinical Psychology
History and Philosophy of Science
Applied Psychology
And 29 more
About
Dr. Ryan Howell is an Associate Professor at San Francisco State University. His research interests include the psychology of goals and how people pursue and achieve them. Dr. Howell received his PhD in Social/Personality Psychology from the University of California, Riverside in 2005.

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Martin Brauch

10 Years Experience
Senior Legal and Economics Researcher, Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment
Education

New York University

LLM, Law / 2010

New York, New York, United States of America

Universidade Federal de Pelotas

Bachelor, Law / 2008

Pelotas
Experience

Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment

Lead Researcher / February, 2020 — Present

International Institute for Sustainable Development

Sustainability Law Advisor / 2014 — 2020

Grupo SBS

Attorney / 2013 — 2014

Research Expertise (14)
economics
international law
international investment law
climate change
sustainable development
And 9 more
About
Martin Dietrich Brauch is a Lead Researcher at CCSI. He leads economic and legal research, training, and advisory work, with a focus on legal and policy frameworks and practices for sustainable investment to achieve climate change mitigation and adaptation goals—including through decarbonization and a just transition to net-zero emission energy systems and economies—along with other SDGs.

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Samiul Amin

20 Years Experience
Professor of Practice at University of Miami Professor of Practice and Director ECAP at University of Miami with expertise in Formulation Design, Rheology, Biosurfactants, Biopolymers and Materials Science.
Education

North Carolina State University

PhD, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering / July, 2002

Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America

Johns Hopkins University

M.S, Chemical Engineering / January, 1997

Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

B.S, chemical engineering / May, 1995

New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
Experience

University of Miami

Professor of Practice / August, 2022 — Present

Manhattan College

Associate Professor / January, 2018 — July, 2022

L'Oreal USA

Assistant Vice-President / November, 2015 — January, 2018

Research Expertise (38)
Complex Fluids
Rheology
Microrheology
Protein Aggregation
Colloid and Surface Chemistry
And 33 more
About
With over 22 years of industry and academic experience in SoftMatter, colloids, and complex fluids, I am a Professor of Practice and Director of the Engineering Corporate Affiliate Program (ECAP) at the University of Miami. My mission is to bridge the gap between engineering education/research and industry needs, and to foster a culture of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship among students and faculty. I am also co-founder of FastFormulator a Formulation Design Lab developing novel sustainable formulations for a wide range of industries utilizing an integrated approach of High THroughput FOrmulation Automation/Advanced CHaracterization/AI-ML and based on deep colloid science/complex fluids insights. <br> As a leading researcher and consultant in formulation design and performance optimization of consumer, cosmetic, biopharmaceutical, and homecare products, I collaborate with multiple global companies and organizations to develop novel and sustainable solutions based on high throughput formulation, AI/ML, advanced characterization and novel sustainable materials. I also teach courses in polymers, surfactants, emulsions, rheology, tribology, and innovation management, and chair international conferences in my field of expertise. I am passionate about advancing the science and engineering of complex fluids and cosmetics, and sharing my knowledge and insights with the next generation of engineers and innovators.

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Dr. James C. Kaufman

10 Years Experience
Professor at University of Connecticut, Expert in Creativity
Education

Yale University

PhD, Cognitive Psychology

New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
Experience

University of Connecticut

Professor / 2013 — Present

Research Expertise (43)
Creativity
giftedness
personality
intelligence
meaning
And 38 more
About
James C. Kaufman is a Professor of Educational Psychology at the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut. He has written or edited more than 50 books. These include: the recently published *The Creativity Advantage* (Cambridge); the forthcoming *Lessons in Creativity from Musical Theatre Characters* (with Dana P. Rowe; Routledge); two editions of *Cambridge Handbook of Creativity* (with Robert J. Sternberg) and five other Cambridge Handbooks; two editions of *Creativity 101* (Springer); and a book on terrible baseball pitchers with his father and a book on pseudoscience with his wife. James has developed many theories, most notably the Four C’s (with Ron Beghetto). He has developed several self-report measures of creativity and is currently focusing on positive outcomes of creativity. James has won many awards, including Mensa’s research award, the Torrance Award from the National Association for Gifted Children, the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children’s International Creativity Award, and APA’s Berlyne, Arnheim, and Farnsworth awards. He co-founded two major journals, *Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts* and *Psychology of Popular Media Culture* and is the current Senior Associate Editor for *Creativity Research Journal*. He has tested Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s creativity on CNN; written the book and lyrics to the musical *Discovering Magenta* (which played NYC and has a cast album); and appeared onscreen, complete with white lab coat, in the comic book documentary *Independents*.

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Bobuchi Ken-Opurum, Ph.D.

8 Years Experience
People-centered researcher in the climate-energy nexus.
Education

Carnegie Mellon University

PhD, Architecture-Engineering -Construction Management / April, 2022

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Columbia University

Master of Science, Sustainability Management

New York, New York, United States of America
Experience

Building Electrification Institute

Research Director / 2024 — Present

Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute

Director of Research / 2022 — 2024

Most Relevant Research Expertise
Energy
Other Research Expertise (4)
Climate Resilience
Sustainability
Construction Management
Decision Science
About
Dr. Bobuchi Ken-Opurum is a highly qualified and experienced people-centered researcher focused on climate resilience, energy equity, and urban health and wellbeing, fostering sustainable and systemic change. As Research Director at the Building Electrification Institute (BEI), she leads research that supports cities and stakeholders in prioritizing marginalized communities in climate and building decarbonization solutions. Her approach emphasizes co-creation with vulnerable populations, envisioning healthy, inclusive, climate-resilient communities.   Dr. Bobuchi Ken-Opurum created the [Re-HOUSED Multi-criteria Decision Support toolkit ](https://www.re-housed.tools/)that helps self-builders in the tropical Global South in implementing viable and feasible flooding and heat stress resilience design solutions in housing. She holds a Ph.D. in Architecture-Engineering-Construction Management from Carnegie Mellon, an MS from Columbia University, and a BS from Purdue University. Her contributions earned her a spot on the 2023 Forbes 30 Under 30 list, and she’s named one of Grist Magazine’s “50 climate leaders driving fresh solutions to our planet's biggest problems.” She also serves as an author for the Sixth National Climate Assessment (NCA6), contributing to the Climate Effects on U.S. National Security chapter. The NCA6, an interagency effort, is the U.S. Government’s authoritative report on climate change impacts, risks, and adaptation across the nation.   Previously, as Director of Research at the Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute (TEPRI), she led pivotal projects advancing clean, resilient energy access for underserved communities, including Texas’s first Statewide Community Voices in Energy Survey Reports. Her work consistently drives inclusive, sustainable climate solutions.

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Diego Bestel

7 Years Experience
Education

Colorado State University

Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering / June, 2022

Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
Experience

Argonne National Laboratory

Researcher / July, 2022 — Present

Groupe Renault

QA Analyst / 2015 — 2017

Noble Thermodynamic Systems

System Modeling Engineer / August, 2021 — April, 2022

Research Expertise (2)
Mechanical Engineering
Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
About
PhD. candidate at Colorado State University working at the Chemical Energy Conversion Laboratory. My research focus is on multidimensional modeling and control of End-Gas Autoignition (EGAI) in Spark Ignited Natural Gas engines. The goal of the research is to achieve Diesel-like efficiencies by using controlled end-gas autoignition. A Cooperative Fuel Research (CFR) engine and a 15-L Cummins engine have been used for this purpose having a mix of experimental, 1D, and 3D modeling work to study the fuel-engine interactions that lead to EGAI.

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Kendra Dupuy

18 Years Experience
Assistant Professor, energy politics
Education

University of Washington

PhD, Political Science

Seattle, Washington, United States of America
Experience

Western Washington University

Assistant Professor / September, 2023 — Present

Fridtjof Nansen Institute

Senior Research Fellow / September, 2021 — September, 2023

PRIO

Senior Researcher / June, 2006 — December, 2021

Most Relevant Research Expertise
energy
Other Research Expertise (8)
civil society
democracy
climate change
education
conflict
And 3 more
About
Experienced researcher and educator on climate change, environment, energy, and natural resource management policies and politics; democracy and civil society; armed conflict; sustainable development; education; anti-corruption and good governance; foreign aid and humanitarian assistance.

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Hanna Breetz

12 Years Experience
Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

PhD, Political Science / 2013

Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America

Dartmouth College

BA, Government / 2002

Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
Experience

Arizona State University

Assistant Professor

Research Expertise (8)
Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law
Political Science and International Relations
Industrial relations
Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
Geography, Planning and Development
And 3 more
About
Hanna Breetz is a political scientist who studies the political economy of alternative energy, focusing on biofuels and synthetic fuels. Her research investigates both the drivers of alternative energy policy - including the role of interest groups, decision-making institutions, and information about science and technology - as well as the impact of energy policy on innovation and technological change.

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Christophe Schinckus

20 Years Experience
Professor & Dean of Faculty of Business and Computing - University of the Fraser Valley, Canada
Education

Paris School of Economics

Ph.D., Finance / February, 2009

Paris

University of Cambridge

Ph.D., Philosophy of Science / June, 2018

Cambridge

Kingston University

Ph.D, Arts (Critical Studies) / May, 2023

London
Experience

University of the Fraser Valley

Dean, Faculty of Business and Computing / April, 2021 — Present

Professor in Finance

Taylor’s University

Head of School of Accounting and Finance / January, 2019 — April, 2021

Professor in Fintech

RMIT Vietnam

Dean of Research / January, 2017 — January, 2019

Professor in Finance

Research Expertise (56)
Finance
Blockchain
Econophysics
Marketing
Condensed Matter Physics
And 51 more

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Example energy projects

How can companies collaborate more effectively with researchers, experts, and thought leaders to make progress on energy?

Energy Efficiency Audit

An energy expert can conduct an audit of a company's energy consumption and identify areas for improvement. This can include recommendations for energy-efficient equipment, lighting upgrades, and behavioral changes to reduce energy waste and lower costs.

Renewable Energy Integration

A researcher can help a company integrate renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, into their operations. This involves assessing the feasibility, designing the system, and optimizing the energy generation and storage.

Sustainability Strategy Development

An energy expert can assist a company in developing a comprehensive sustainability strategy. This includes setting goals, implementing energy-saving initiatives, tracking progress, and reporting on environmental performance.

Carbon Footprint Analysis

A researcher can conduct a carbon footprint analysis to quantify a company's greenhouse gas emissions. This helps identify emission hotspots and develop strategies to reduce carbon footprint through energy efficiency measures and renewable energy adoption.

Energy Policy and Regulation Compliance

An energy expert can help a company navigate complex energy policies and regulations. They can provide guidance on compliance requirements, assist in obtaining permits and certifications, and ensure the company meets energy efficiency standards.