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...
“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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Hello everyone, I’m truly excited to share that a paper I co-authored with Soumia Ayyadi and Ryan Sims has recently been published, focusing on the lifetime cost analysis of zero-emission refuse collection vehicles (RCVs) in Scotland. This research is particularly timely as we continue to explore sustainable solutions for urban and rural environments alike. Let’s delve into some of...
Hi friends! Today, I want to share a gem from the “Coaching for Leaders” podcast by Dave Stachowiak with Zach Mercurio, author of The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance. This episode is a reminder that leadership isn’t just about strategy or innovation—it’s also about people. And as someone who balances R&D work with a creative life at home, I’m...
Hi energy innovation enthusiasts! 🌿⚡Last week was a bumper ride of project closures, on-the-ground exploration, and lively Gaelic sun flair — all centred around green hydrogen. Let me take you for a quick spin through the week, where history and technology met in a surprising, flamed-out climax. 🎥 1. Electrolyser Horizons: Reshaping Hydrogen Strategy Across the UK The week began with the closeout...
Hi there, energy systems enthusiasts and craft lovers and gardeners alike! As someone who splits her time between accelerating clean energy tech and scribbling patterns on greeting cards or gardening, I’m always curious about how diverse thinking shows up in different worlds. While recently listening to Matthew Syed’s “Rebel Ideas: The Power of Diverse Thinking” on audiobook, I found...
Proud Mom. Lead R&D Engineer at PNDC, University of Strathclyde. Oxford Martin Fellow and Oxford policy engagement network KE fellow. Interests in energy technology, policy and sustainable system. Current research areas include the decarbonisation of heat, transport and electricity and the role of hydrogen in decarbonisation.