I am interested in reducing the environmental impacts of energy systems. More specifically, I study greenhouse gas emissions from fossil energy sources. This is important because fossil energy sources will continue to be key components of our energy system for decades to come.

One of my main research interests is life-cycle analysis of the efficiency and environmental impacts of transportation fuels. I am particularly interested in understanding the impacts of substitutes for conventional petroleum. Most recently, this has resulted in research on oil shale, which is a low-quality hydrocarbon resource.

Another research topic is mathematical modeling of energy resources and resource depletion. Specifically, I have investigated methods of modeling oil depletion and transitions to oil substitutes. The motivator for this research is the likelihood that conventional fuels may soon be unable to meet growing fuel demand from developing economies.

A new research focus at Stanford will be the design and optimization of carbon capture and storage systems.

My research efforts can be explored below:

• Environmental impacts of oil shale and other substitutes for conventional petroleum
• Mathematical modeling of petroleum depletion and the transition to oil substitutes
  
• Carbon capture and sequestration (to be added as research progresses)
• A number of other projects

I aim to help train the next generation of energy professionals to:

• Optimize energy systems so as to improve their efficiency
• Rigorously account for the environmental impacts of energy sources
  
• Think critically about systems-scale phenomena in energy production and consumption

PhD, Energy and Resources Group, University of California, Berkeley (2008)
MS, Energy and Resources Group, University of California, Berkeley (2005)
BS, Environmental Studies, emphasis Physics, UC Santa Barbara (2003)

For more detail, please see my curriculum vitae.

Updated: July 10 2009