Research, Reflections and Hobbies

09September

From Python Puzzles to 700°C Sand: A Visiting Lecturer’s Journey in Stockholm I’m still buzzing from an incredible week in Stockholm, where I had the honour of serving as a visiting lecturer at KTH Royal Institute of Technology — a true epicentre of energy research and innovation. As an R&D Leader at PNDC, my mission was clear: to share insights from real-world energy systems while learning...

2 weeks ago

🎶 Concert Confessions: Migraines, Mosh Pits & Unexpected Kindness

2 Min Read

02September

Last week, I stepped into the world of live music for the first time in… well, probably ever — and let’s just say, it was a full-sensory adventure. My daughter is deeply in love with Chappel Roan (and honestly, I get it — the vibes are electric). So when the concert tickets landed, we were in. She’d been on repeat: “Good Luck, Babe,” “Super Graphic Ultra Modern,” and “HOT TO GO — non-stop. I half...

3 weeks ago

The Ceremony That Made Us Say “Yes, This Is How We Build the Future”

In Reflections

3 Min Read

26August

I’ll admit it: I braced myself for a bureaucratic graduation ceremony—long speeches, stiff formality, the kind of event where time crawls. But Strathclyde’s Energy Sector Leaders Honorary Graduation? It was anything but that. From the first word from Principal Sir Jim McDonald (charming as ever, with that signature smile), the room buzzed with energy—not the tired kind, but the alive kind you...

4 weeks ago

The Blink That Shapes Power: When Height Becomes Bias

In Reading, Reflections

5 Min Read

20August

“We don’t see people as they are — we see them as our instincts tell us they should be.”(A paraphrase of a central idea in Malcolm Gladwell’s Blink) I’m late by a day… but I’m here — and that counts. One small step forward still counts. Especially when it’s toward showing up thoughtfully and with purpose. This week’s post is based on a book I’m reading — Blink by Malcolm...

1 month ago

Welcome Back: The Vanishing Beach – A Climate Reality Check

In Reflections

3 Min Read

12August

Hello everyone! It’s been almost a month since my last post, and I’m excited to be back. Like many of you, I’ve been finding my way back to routine after a holiday break. The first week was all about essentials: restocking the pantry, diving into the mountain of emails, reconnecting with my team, and ensuring the fridge was ready for the remaining school holidays (no early...

3 months ago

CIRED Conference Buzz & A Trip Back in Time: Exploring Alpiq’s Power Plant!

4 Min Read

24June

Hi everyone, Last week was a whirlwind of learning and inspiration! I had the fantastic opportunity to attend the CIRED conference and even present a paper. My topic, “Reducing Peak Demand of EV fast charging stations using solar power streetlights,” focuses on bringing clever energy solutions to developing countries in Africa, especially where we have lots of sun but grids need a bit...

3 months ago

Learning from Errors: Black Box Thinking and Beyond

5 Min Read

17June

Following up on my previous blog about Rebel Ideas by Matthew Syed, I took the recommendation from fellow readers to heart and dived into his other insightful work, Black Box Thinking. It was a fascinating read that shed new light on how we approach mistakes, learning, and ultimately, improvement. Coupled with his BBC radio series, the messages resonated deeply. Here are some of the key takeaways...

3 months ago

Rethinking Productivity: When Life’s Priorities Shift

In creativity, Reflections

3 Min Read

10June

Last week, I sat down to write my blog post and suddenly, panic set in. Looking back over the past week, I realised that I hadn’t completed any of the books I was reading (listening to) or even listened to any new podcast episodes. My to-do list felt miles long, and I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed. Then, it hit me. I remembered an episode from a podcast called “Beyond the To-do...

4 months ago

Zero-Emission Refuse Collection Vehicles in Scotland: A Cost Analysis Perspective

3 Min Read