Academics and professors play a crucial role in driving the energy transition and advancing climate action through their expertise, research, and education. Their deep understanding of scientific principles, coupled with their ability to innovate and analyse complex systems, enables them to develop sustainable solutions to mitigate climate change. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and rigorous inquiry, they contribute invaluable insights into renewable energy technologies, carbon capture methods, and environmental policy frameworks. Following academics are advancing commendable research around the energy transition.
- Andrew Gilligan, Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University
About Andrew Gilligan
Andrew Gilligan brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the realm of energy transition and sustainability, both as a seasoned professional and an academic. Andrew is Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University, where he imparts his insights and knowledge on the energy industry, markets, and project finance to aspiring professionals. His multifaceted background, including his tenure on the Board of Advisors for Centennial Generating Co., a power company with a focus on solar and battery energy storage projects, shows his commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions. Through his roles in academia and industry, Gilligan bridges the gap between theory and practice, equipping students and professionals alike with the tools and understanding needed to navigate the complexities of the energy transition landscape.
- Alison Gilbert, Adjunct Professor at Northwestern University
About Alison Gilbert
Alison Gilbert possesses extensive expertise in energy transition strategy and finance, with a track record of structuring non-recourse finance, growth equity, and venture capital transactions within various sectors including distributed power generation, advanced mobility, battery storage, hydrogen/renewable fuels, and sustainable waste/water. In addition to her professional endeavors, she serves as an adjunct professor at the Institute for Sustainability & Energy at Northwestern University. In her course, “ISEN 440: Energy Project Finance & Development,” she concentrates on the intricacies of designing, permitting, financing, and executing large-scale energy infrastructure projects, alongside exploring their relevance to emerging climate technologies. Gilbert is recognized for her innovative problem-solving approach, analytical acumen, and collaborative leadership style, having spearheaded cross-functional initiatives and fostered partnerships with executive stakeholders to solicit input, foster cooperation, and identify synergies.
- Marjolein Dieperink, Endowed Professor Climate Change and Energy Transition at VU University Amsterdam
About Marjolein Dieperink
Marjolein Dieperink holds the position of Endowed Professor in Climate Change and Energy Transition at VU University Amsterdam, where she brings her expertise to bear on the legal frameworks necessary for realising a carbon-neutral society. Her focus encompasses the intricate balance between public imperatives such as sustainability and security of supply, and private interests including investment security and reasonable lead times. This dual emphasis is a recurring theme in both her research and teaching endeavours. Dieperink’s work underscores the importance of establishing legally secure, efficient, and future-proof legislation to facilitate the transition to sustainable energy systems. Within her teaching, she explores overarching themes and principles of climate and energy legislation, with particular attention to public-private partnerships and ensuring a level playing field for market participants.
- Asgeir Tomasgard, Director at NTNU Energi
About Asgeir Tomasgard
As the director of NTNU Energy, a strategic research area at NTNU, and a professor of operations research at the department of industrial economics and technology management, Asgeir Tomasgard boasts over two decades of experience in energy research, education, and innovation. With expertise in operations research, economics, and mathematical modeling, Tomasgard tackles complex challenges and opportunities within energy systems, markets, and policies. Leading the NTNU Energy Transition Initiative, he spearheads a cross-disciplinary effort collaborating with industry partners and policymakers to develop sustainable energy solutions.
- Melissa C.Lott, Professor of Professional Practice at Columbia Climate School
About Melissa C.Lott
Melissa C. Lott, an energy systems engineer and researcher with a PhD, brings nearly two decades of expertise to the field of energy systems analysis and modelling, energy and environmental policy, energy economics, and project management. As a Professor of Professional Practice at Columbia Climate School, she imparts her extensive knowledge and experience to students, guiding them in navigating the complexities of energy transition. With her background as an Adjunct Professor and her involvement as a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on the Future of Economics of Equitable Transition, Lott is at the forefront of shaping discussions and strategies for a sustainable energy future. Additionally, her role as a member of the Energy Systems Integration Technical Review Panel at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory underscores her commitment to advancing cutting-edge research and innovation in the field.
- Adam Simon, Professor of Energy and Mineral Resources at University of Michigan
About Adam Simon
Adam Simon’s professional background centers on his research and teaching endeavors in the field of energy and mineral resources at University of Michigan. With a focus on understanding the formation processes of mineral deposits, his work delves into the crucial role these resources play in various aspects of modern life. From rare earth elements essential for electronic devices to copper vital for renewable energy production, Simon emphasizes the interconnectedness between mineral extraction and societal advancements. Through his teaching, he imparts his fascination for the complexities of the natural world and advocates for responsible sourcing of resources to sustain our global society.
- Abdul Salam, Professor, Sustainable Energy Transition Program at Asian Institute of Technology
About Abdul Salam
Abdul Salam possesses an impressive professional background spanning over twenty-five years, with a focus on research, consultancy, and capacity building in various facets of energy transition and climate change. His expertise encompasses a wide range of fields including bioenergy, waste to energy, renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean coal technologies, and carbon capture and sequestration. With a prolific publication record comprising six books, over 60 internationally refereed journal articles and conference papers, as well as numerous development and industry reports, Prof. Salam has established himself as a leading authority in the field. His practical experience extends to serving as the General Manager and Chief Design Engineer of an energy service company, where he spearheaded consultancy and feasibility studies. Additionally, he has successfully implemented research, development, and industrial projects, often in collaboration with international organizations such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), among others.
- Jon Wallace, Affiliate Professor at Northeastern University
About Jon Wallace
Jon Wallace’s professional background is distinguished by his role as Affiliate Professor and Distinguished Scholar at Northeastern University, where he has been actively engaged since September 2019. With a focus on energy transition teaching, Wallace has developed and led graduate courses such as “Applications of A.I. in Energy Systems” and “Geologic Energy Systems for Geothermal Power, Geothermal Heating, Energy Storage, and Carbon Sequestration.” Beyond teaching, he plays a pivotal role in collaborative research, providing guidance and mentorship to students. Wallace’s involvement extends to serving as a moderator and sponsor at the Annual Energy Conference hosted by the Northeastern University Energy Systems Society, further contributing to the discourse and advancement of energy transition initiatives.
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