18
Climate Resilience, Energy Justice, and Security: The Renewable Energy Transformation (June 18-20)
Northeastern University-Seattle, 401 Terry Ave N - Suite 103, Seattle WA 98109
This year’s institute explores the complex dynamics of renewable energy transformation with an emphasis on social innovations in energy systems and the interconnections among technology, policy, and social change. Strengthening communities through developing alternative energy sources can contribute to resilience and response to shocks to our systems. The institute will examine how we can address challenges to resilience on a global scale, by drawing on research from around the world and lessons from recent disasters.
The 3-day institute with be led by Professor Jennie Stephens with Maria Robson from the College of Social Sciences and Humanities at Northeastern University.
Day 1 – Monday, June 18
Resilience & Energy
Climate Resilience and Renewable Transformation
Community Engagement: Issues of Access and Equity
Energy and Climate Disruptions: The Case of Puerto Rico
Field Trip – Energy Management & Resilience Planning
Day 2 – Tuesday, June 19
Disaster Preparedness and Response
Interdependent Systems
Cascadia Earthquake Scenario
Field Trip – Security and Interdependent Systems
Day 3 – Wednesday, June 20
Innovations: Technological & Social
Micro-grids and grid innovations
Community Resilience
Field Trip – Electric Grid
Jennie C. Stephens
Dean’s Professor of Sustainability Science and Policy at Northeastern’s School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs
Jennie’s research, teaching, and community engagement focus on social and political aspects of the renewable energy transition and responses to climate change. Her research focuses on institutional and cultural innovation in the energy sector, including gender diversity and energy democracy, and technological optimism and the “usability” of climate science in climate mitigation and adaptation. Professor Stephens is a 2015-2016 Leopold Leadership fellow, and her book Smart Grid (R)Evolution: Electric Power Struggles (Cambridge University Press, 2015) explores social and cultural debates about energy system change (co-authored with Wilson & Peterson). Before Northeastern, Professor Stephens was on the faculty at the University of Vermont (2014-2016) and Clark University (2005-2014). She earned her PhD at Caltech in environmental science & engineering and her BA at Harvard in environmental science & public policy.
Maria Robson
Doctoral Research Assistant at the Global Resilience Institute
Maria is pursuing her PhD in Northeastern University’s Political Science Department. Maria previously worked as a Global Security Intelligence Analyst in the energy industry. She has her own consulting company in Canada, which provided tailored risk analysis to private-sector clients. Maria holds a Master’s degree in Military, Security, and Strategic Studies from the University of Calgary, Canada, and a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in International Relations, Economics, and History from the University of Toronto, Canada.