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Academic Year 2019-2020
Institution Queen's University, Belfast

Biography

 

Graduation Date: July 2024

What did your pathway to PhD look like? After earning a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering at QUB and spending seven years working offshore in the oil and gas industry, I experienced a personal climate crisis after the birth of my son, Charlie. This ultimately led to my decision to resign from BP and pursue a PhD, ensuing an insightful conversation with my former Master’s supervisor in a bar sharing a pint of Guinness.

What made you apply to the QUADRAT DTP? I wanted to continue my love and passion for the energy resources the subsurface represents, and a PhD in geothermal energy enabled me to do so in a renewable and sustainable way, in contrast to my previous role. I was driven by a desire to contribute to the movement for change and the pursuit of net zero, aiming to secure a better future for my son and all generations to come.

What was your PhD research title? “Institutional market-making: A study of the geothermal energy transition”

Can you tell us a little bit about your PhD research? This research investigates the collective efforts of market actors to mobilise and organise institutions across geothermal ecosystems while navigating varying institutional stances on achieving net-zero energy goals. The study focuses on Northern Ireland’s geothermal market and its transition to renewable energy. Through three core articles, it explores the development of a collective vision-making model to revitalise stagnant markets, examines the impact of institutional imprinting on market dynamics, and analyses how institutional stances influence strategic outcomes. By integrating theoretical contributions from institutional theory and market-making dynamics, the thesis provides an overall institutional market-making framework that suggests insights for policymakers and stakeholders to accelerate the renewable energy transition.

What were the highlights and/or biggest accomplishments of your PhD? There are a number of highlights associated with this research:

Awards:

  • Green Gown Awards 2022 – Research with Impact Award – Highly Commended.
  • 9th UK Geothermal Symposium 2022 – UK Geothermal Research with Impact Award.
  • Recognition of contribution to Northern Ireland Geothermal Week 2022 Award.
  • Queen’s University Belfast Engagement and Impact Prize at the Business School 2022.

Certificates:

  • Chartered Management Institute Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice 2020.

Policy publications:

Academic publications:

What part(s) of the QUADRAT programme had the strongest impact on you and your career? The most impactful aspect of the QUADRAT programme was the team’s unwavering support and guidance. Their dedication ensured I had everything I needed to successfully complete my research, especially during challenging periods when I faced heavy workloads, tight deadlines, and even a shift in research direction as I adapted to insights from the emerging geothermal market. I am deeply grateful for their encouragement, which not only helped me navigate these challenges but also provided me with the opportunity to contribute to advancing knowledge in this important field. This experience has significantly shaped my career and aspirations.

Please tell us a little bit about what you are doing now? I am currently applying for a Research Assistant role within the Business School QUB to continue my research into geothermal market-making. I am also continuing to volunteer for the IGA to help with wider global sector development.

How did your PhD help you decide on this career path? My wish to continue research into geothermal market-making stems from my journey along a path less travelled, which I compared to following the “Yellow Brick Road” in my PhD reflections. Throughout my PhD research on geothermal energy, I found that the market dynamics guided me step by step, unveiling opportunities rather than me choosing them deliberately. This organic unfolding shaped my understanding of institutional forces and market-shaping practices, particularly in emerging fields. I now seek to delve further into institutional market-making to influence stuck markets, as understanding this phenomenon is vital to driving sustainable, net-zero energy transitions​.

What advice would you offer to current/future PhD students and applicants? Where would you like to me start or even more importantly, finish!? But here are a few main points:

  • Embrace uncertainty: Research is often a journey into the unknown, as highlighted by the dynamic path of my work from engineering to the business school. Staying flexible and responsive to emerging insights is essential for impact and new knowledge – trust your gut and follow it diligently!
  • Collaboration is key: As my thesis discusses, building collective visions with multiple stakeholders is vital in navigating complex challenges like energy transitions. Engaging with diverse perspectives enriches the research process – talk to everyone you meet, ask as many questions as you can and write it all down!
  • Stay Resilient in the face of challenges: From dealing with changing research directions to external limitations like the pandemic, adaptability and persistence are essential for overcoming obstacles – never give up and always, always ask for help when you need it!

What is your best memory of QUADRAT? The first induction week in Aberdeen, held at the Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen building, was an excellent opportunity to meet everyone for the first time. It was a productive day of introductions, followed by a casual gathering where we had the chance to further connect over a beer. The group photo on the steps was my highlight!

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