Student Biographies
Lucia Barrera Cano
Lucia received her Bachelor of Arts and Sciences from UCL where she understood the need for interdisciplinary thinking to tackle climate change. After a year abroad at the University of Tokyo, where she was introduced to the key role of energy systems to reach Net Zero, she decided to specialize in this field with the Sustainable Energy Futures MSc at Imperial College London. Her current focus is on assessing the environmental impacts of batteries and their end-of-life management with the use of Life Cycle Assessment, for design improvement and strategic guidance. She hopes to make a powerful contribution towards transitioning to a more sustainable society in her upcoming consulting career.
Project Title: Cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment of a lithium-sulfur battery with Li2S cathode
Davis Bigestans
Davis Bigestans is currently a MSc Sustainable Energy Futures student at Imperial College London with a background in the energy industry. He has experience in risk & compliance consulting and petrochemical engineering having worked for Sysmax Ltd and VNT (Vitol). Besides this, Davis holds a BEng degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Leeds. Moving onwards, Davis is ready to join a leading energy practice in London to drive a transition towards affordable, reliable and low carbon energy industry.
Project Title: Economic Performance Evaluation of Flexible Centralised and Decentralised Blue Hydrogen Production Systems Design Under Uncertainty
Chanwith Buntoengpesuchsakul
Chanwith was sponsored by a national O&G firm to continue his interest in Sustainable Energy Futures at Imperial College London. Before this, he was a Technology Venture Engineer who aimed to engage with all low-carbon technology companies to develop sustainable energy businesses for south-east Asia's leading O&G company.
He earned a first-class honours degree in mechanical engineering from KMUTT. He has ten years of expertise as a facilities engineer across the whole oil and gas value chain, including engineering design, EPCIC, operation and maintenance, and technology management, for both local and international assets before changing his career to support the energy transition.
Project Title: Sodium-Zinc Solid Electrolyte batteries - the enabler of low-cost energy storage?
Jada-Tiana Carnie
Prior to joining the Sustainable Energy Futures Programme, Jada graduated with a BEng in Mechanical Engineering from Queen Mary University of London. It was here that she developed a passion for sustainable energy, completing her undergraduate thesis on solar thermal water heating systems for homes, which was awarded the best project prize in her cohort. Jada subsequently joined the SEF course to gain a greater understanding of key global energy issues, and the role of policy, economics and technology in the mitigation of climate change. It is her ambition to use this knowledge to become a researcher in low-carbon technologies, to contribute to creating a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Project Title: Decarbonising heating of residential buildings: The design of a novel inter-seasonal solar thermal latent heat storage system.
Theodore Costaras
Previously I studied Physics with Theoretical Physics at Kings College London, graduating with First Class Honours. Before joining the Masters, I worked at Jacobs Engineering Group investigating the application of machine learning to coastal and port engineering problems. This technical and practical background has provided the necessary skills to apply to energy transitions. The Masters allowed me to gain insights into energy systems, particularly the need for flexibility. I hope to use the skills from the Masters to tackle problems to help with a clean and resilient future.
Project Title: Bottom-Up Cost Modelling of the All-Liquid Electrode Sodium Zinc Battery
Agathe de La Selle
During my engineering studies in France at Ecole Polytechnique, I realised that I wanted to use my scientific skills in a meaningful way. Getting involved in the fight against climate change became obvious, and I then developed a great interest in the challenges around our energy use. The SEF course has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of these challenges, whether they are technical, economical, or political. I have been particularly interested in energy markets and policies, and plan to start my career in this area.
Project Title: Switching between fuels: lessons from four countries using decomposition analysis
Ilaria Del Frate
My passion for renewable energy started during a visit to Garda Hydropower dam; I was impressed by how natural forces can be harnessed in such a glorious way. During my studies, I realised that renewable energy is mostly about creativity and innovative ways to use the environment appropriately. After my volunteering experience in Uganda, I also decided to connect my strong interest towards humanitarian help with the energy access cause, and I dedicated my dissertation to renewable energy in developing countries. Through an internship at UEA, where I was modelling a gearbox for wind turbines, I also realised how my determination makes me an efficient self-learner and avid researcher.
Project Title: Renewable solar cooling HVAC for health centres in rural areas in developing countries
Bastien Denisart
I have always tried to conciliate the understanding of the big picture and get detailed insights into how things work. Hence my "generalist" background, from the French " classe preparatoire" to a general engineering school. This, combined with a strong will to put my skills to the service of society and others as well as a genuine interest in the energy-related science, led me to join the MSc SEF. I wanted to broaden my understanding of the renewable energy issues, beyond the technical considerations that characterised my four previous years of studies. Eventually, this MSc confirmed my ambition to play a leading role in the policy transition toward Net Zero.
Project Title: Carbon Dioxide Removal technology portfolios to achieve the UK Net Zero target
Elsa Deville
Before coming to London for an MSc in Sustainable Energy Futures, I spent five years in Paris, where I did two years of French preparatory classes and 3 years of engineering training at Ecole Polytechnique, with a specialisation in fundamental physics.
Project Title: Gender Inequalities and Energy Policymaking
Hana Douglas
Mission-driven, and passionate about global social progress. Preceding university I worked with a development organisation in the Philippines for almost two years. I observed both the potential for developing countries to leap-frog carbon-based development, as well as the opportunity for sustainable energy to provide accessible and clean electricity to those who need it the most. I have committed myself to pursuing a career that will accelerate the energy transition and promote sustainable development wherever I go.
Project Title: How will the increasing penetration of renewable energy affect long-term volatility in the UK?
Gregoire Drouets
After three years of intensive courses in physics, chemistry and mathematics, I joined the Ecole Centrale de Lyon where I built a strong engineering background in many different topics (mechanics, material engineering, energy). Centrale is where I developed my interest towards sustainability, that I explored through internships in energy efficiency and photovoltaics, or school projects, developing alternatives to phytosanitary products. The Sustainable Energy Futures MSc was a natural next step that ended convincing me how much of a key role green energy generation and management will play in a close future.
Project Title: Spectral-splitting PV-thermal solar collectors for hydrogen production
Sayed Hashim Fadhul
Motivated by the vital role engineers play in solving today’s problems, especially those related to establishing a sustainable future, Sayed Hashim did his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering in the University of Leeds then advanced to do an MSc in Sustainable Energy Futures. This served as a foundation in broadening his knowledge of the renewable energy sector, to help accelerate the transition towards a net zero reality.
Project Title: Energy Saving Potential of Large-Scale Building Stock Regeneration: OPDC as a Case Study
Alexander Fish
I'm interested in the impact solar technologies can have on the energy transition. During my undergrad I was interested in optics and semiconducting materials. I have carried these interests over into a research project based on the modelling of thin film solar cell configurations which can both produce electricity and useful heat. I hope to apply my knowledge towards further roles.
Project Title: Opto-electronic modelling of perovskite materials for optimal PVT solar cell design
Katerina Foka Sandoval
After graduating from Life Sciences Engineering at EPFL, Switzerland, Katerina worked as a consultant for the French company Cabone4, advising clients on how to measure and reduce carbon impacts, before expanding to climate/energy education for professionals, climate adaptation and risks mitigation. Her experiences convinced her of the central role of energy systems in reducing emissions, gaining independence from fossil fuels and improving the resilience of societies to climate change. She joined the Sustainable Energy Futures MSc in order to obtain the necessary technical, policy and economics related tools to advance ambitious energy transition and emissions reduction plans.
Project Title: Visualising Climate Hazard Areas to Electricity System Components
Simon Garcia Arcila
Driven by the idea of developing projects to foster energy transitions with innovation and humanity, Simon graduated as a mechanical engineer in 2018. With a passion for renewable energy, he joined the Colombia Chamber of Energy to expand his understanding of the power sector from a business perspective. Afterwards, he joined an engineering company where he dived into the built environment by coordinating a training programme in elevator installation. His previous experience in the energy sector and its engineering implementation led him to apply for the MSc Sustainable Energy Futures to gain a wide perspective on the energy challenges to create a tangible impact.
Project Title: OPTIO: Open-source techno-economic model to optimise PV, Battery, Heat Pump in Commercial Buildings
Isabelle Glotman
After graduating from McGill University with a degree in Civil Engineering, Isabelle embarked upon her career in the real estate development industry. As a development and sustainability manager, Isabelle worked extensively on helping to create buildings throughout North America with the aim to be at the forefront of sustainable design. Although she enjoyed learning about the built environment through her degree and professional career, she started her Master’s in Sustainable Energy Futures to broaden her knowledge of the energy industry and meet like-minded individuals from across the globe.
Project Title: A techno-economic assessment of ship-based carbon capture for the shipping industry
Nazir Hadaya
Nazir was first exposed to sustainable energy in 2010 when interning on a wind farm tender bid. This experience drove him to complete an MEng in Aeronautical Engineering at Imperial College London where he could pursue his interests in aviation and wind energy. Upon completing his undergraduate degree, Nazir worked in the marine automotive sector for 3 years as a Systems Engineer. Having grown up in between Syria and Lebanon, Nazir experienced first-hand what energy crises look like and ultimately decided to pivot his career towards sustainable energy. Having attended an eye-opening SEF event during his undergrad, Nazir knew that the SEF MSc would be the ideal platform to achieve that from.
Project Title: Charging Deserts: an assessment of EV charging infrastructure's accessibility in the UK
Paul Harfouche
I was born and raised in a country where the electricity is mainly produced by private diesel generators, polluting our atmosphere to an extent that our breathing air became carcinogenic. The noise and pollution level accompanying this situation have made me wonder since my youngest age about the possible alternatives to avoid such conditions. These facts triggered my thriving interest in tomorrow’s power sector, and I decided to dedicate my life career to this field.
Project Title: Techno-economic analysis of implementing solar PV systems in Lebanon, a solution to an energy crisis
Ellie Martin
After beginning her undergraduate studies in music, Ellie realized she wanted to work towards solving global issues such as climate change and graduated with a BSc in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. During this time, she performed research in organic photovoltaics, coral bleaching, and the molecular mechanisms of a bioenergy reactor. She joined Sustainable Energy Futures with the goal of increasing her technical understanding of sustainable technologies while gleaning insights into relevant policies and economics. Looking forward, she hopes to develop sustainable technologies that will have significant, equitable impacts and successful uptake with the help of her new knowledge.
Project Title: Biomimetic Photovoltaic Leaf Design and Techno-Economic Analysis for Solar Cooling and Desalination
Alejandro Marzano Adame
As a result of my international upbringing, I attained dimensional adaptability, fluency in four languages, and involvement in a variety of professional and philanthropic endeavours. Prior to studying Sustainable Energy Futures, I graduated with a First-Class Honours degree in Energy Engineering with Environmental Management from the University of East Anglia. Undertaking a programme with an engineering approach focused on sustainable energy increased my awareness of the matter and its seriousness. My strong passion for sustainability and analytics, has led me to pursue a career in this rapidly evolving sector.
Sally Matson
After graduating from Georgetown University with a B.A. in Mathematics and Computer Science, Sally received a Marshall Scholarship to fund two years of postgraduate education in the UK. She spent a year pursuing a MSc in Climate Change, learning about global warming, sustainable consumption, and the politics and power dynamics of the climate crisis. During the MSc Sustainable Energy Futures programme she has deepened her interest in energy justice and local energy transitions. She is interested in combining her data skills and education on energy and climate change in order to work toward a just energy transition. In her free time, Sally enjoys baking chocolate chip cookies and biking around London.
Project Title: Investigating Energy (In)Justice in Heat Networks
George Naismith
It was while studying my undergraduate in material science at Imperial that I decided the world of research was not for me, and I wanted to apply myself to something practical. Having spent a lot of time in the mountains, I have seen first-hand the impact climate change has had on our winters. The Sustainable Energy Futures MSc provided a great opportunity to apply my undergraduate experience to real world situations, while also contributing to the fight against climate change. Learning about political, economic, and technical aspects of the energy transition has driven me to seek a career in the sector that is at the forefront of change.
Project Title: Future Energy Use in Supermarkets: Modelling Supermarket Operation using EnergyPlus
Christabel Ofori-Atta
Before joining the SEF course, Christabel pursued BSc. Petrochemical Engineering in Ghana and graduated with First Class Honours in 2017. Following this, she worked as a Field Engineer with both Halliburton and Schlumberger. Through her exposure, she became keenly aware of the global energy transition towards sustainability and a net-zero future. Thus, she joined this cohort to realign herself and ensure that she is well-rounded and fully equipped to support and create value for people and businesses within the changing energy landscape. Ultimately, as an aspiring energy leader, she aims to be especially pivotal in the energy sector transformation of developing regions like Africa.
Project Title: Quantifying interventions for CCUS uptake in refineries using an optimisation-based Market Potential Assessment model
Leonie Orhan
During my undergraduate studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Warwick, I undertook projects focused around sustainable energy, which led me to studying an MSc in SEF. During this course, I developed my knowledge in sustainability and the latest developments and trends. I now seek to pursue a career focused on the decarbonisation of buildings.
Project Title: Simulating breaking wave loads on offshore monopoly structures
Inessa Rajah
After graduating with a first class honours degree in Mechatronic Engineering from the University of Cape Town, Inessa was motivated by the threat of climate change to shift her focus to sustainability. She joined the Sustainable Energy Futures MSc Programme at Imperial College in order to explore the technical, economic and societal challenges posed by energy systems and the climate crisis. Inessa hopes to couple her interdisciplinary knowledge with her perspective from growing up in South Africa to make a positive difference in the energy sector.
Project Title: Degradation-Aware Operation of Lithium-Ion Batteries in the UK Power Market
Saleem Raza
Saleem graduated from Imperial College London in Materials Science and Engineering with a specialist focus on the Nuclear industry. Upon graduation Saleem founded a successful renewable energy start-up during the Covid pandemic. Saleem helped launch the Green Home Grant Scheme in Greater Manchester through liaising with building surveyors and local government policy makers; and securing building contracts with trademarked organisations. Saleem also manages online sales platforms within the automotive industry with over 6 years of e-commerce experience and has branched out to the healthcare industry; co-founding a med-tech start-up.
Project Title: Optimising Inorganic Perovskite Photovoltaics for Energy Harvesting
Maria Quirina Rodriguez Mendez
While studying for a BSc in Mechanical Engineering, I learned that global energy challenges must be addressed by not only developing more efficient technologies, but also by bolstering economics and policy principles. A desire to explore this wider space further piqued my interest in the MSc in SEF programme. Here, I was exposed to the challenges arising from the uptake of GGR technologies, ranging from technological barriers to energy justice concerns. Inspired by the world-class knowledge acquired and friendships made during this exciting year, I wish to contribute to better informing policy decisions around climate change and GGR technologies for a just and timely transition.
Project Title: The Role of Exploratory Modelling Approaches in UK Net-Zero Policy Design: a Case Study in GGR
Michael Roussos
Michael's interest in sustainability within the energy and industrial sectors grew during his time as an undergraduate at the University of Manchester (MEng Chemical Engineering). Following this, Michael worked as a sustainability consultant in the building services sector, developing his skills and knowledge in engineering, design and project management. Seeking to make a more direct contribution towards the global clean energy transition, Michael pursued a postgraduate degree at Imperial College London (MSc Sustainable Energy Futures), where he developed the necessary skills and in-depth understanding required to make a positive impact in this complex and rapidly-evolving sector.
Project Title: Green Hydrogen Production on the Island of Cyprus
Luc Ruffie
Luc is a French engineering student enrolled in a double degree with Ecole Centrale de Lyon, which he joined after two years of competitive preparatory courses in physics and mathematics. Passionate about the fundamental but complex role of energy in our society and aware of climate change, he enrolled in the MSc Sustainable Energy Futures to make a difference in the carbon-free future. Combined with his interest in economics and financial markets, he is now pursuing a career in energy markets, especially applied to power and carbon to enable a market-driven transition.
Project Title: UK natural gas price decomposition: fundamentals and financial infuences
Orabelema Rachel Sekibo
Driven by her interest in the power and energy sector, Orabelema decided to undertake an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering in the UK. Nigerian born-and-bred, her passion for alternative energy was kindled at home after observing first-hand the realities of energy insecurity. Joining the Sustainable Energy Futures MSc programme was the next step to broaden and deepen her understanding of the economic and socio-political facets of the renewable energy sector, in terms of energy transition and security. When she's not thinking about how to save the world from the effects of climate change, she enjoys singing, reading and eating!
Project Title: An optimisation based Market potential assessment for the uptake of hydrogen for direct iron reduction
Andrea Servin
As a Sustainable Development Engineer at ITESM, Andrea developed case studies with Mexican public and private entities considering social, environmental, and economic perspectives. She wrote an opinion column for an Energy magazine to make the sector’s challenges understandable for every reader. After two years of working for a multinational mining company driving its transition toward renewable energy, she joined the MSc in Sustainable Energy Futures to improve energy security and propel the adoption of low-carbon technologies in Mexico. Her commitment is to achieve a more inclusive future where energy services, fair employment opportunities, and STEM training for women are widely available.
Project Title: Low-Carbon Hydrogen adoption for the UK Refining Industry: An Evaluation of Funding and Policy Gaps
Aris Siafaras
Having always had the drive to build new and valuable things allowed me to pursue a degree in engineering. Completing my bachelor's degree as an Electrical and Electronic Engineer at the University of Manchester exposed me to concepts and challenges that motivated me to look further into the pressing sustainable issues of the world. Accompanying my bachelor's studies with the significant work experience in the energy sector I gained early in my career led me to complete the Sustainable Energy Futures master's at Imperial College London. This degree would help me advance my technical knowledge of sustainable technologies and their interaction with economics through a holistic approach.
Project Title: Optimisation of the infrastructure for green hydrogen production from offshore wind farms
Shyamaladevi Sivakumar
After graduating in Industrial Engineering with Distinction, Shyamala joined BHEL, India’s largest energy infrastructure company (PSU). Shyamala has long-standing experience in thermal & nuclear power plant equipment manufacturing. The continuous exploration in the energy segment made her realise that transition to sustainable energy is crucial. She wanted to contribute toward climate change mitigation which motivated her to gain more knowledge in cleaner alternatives. Shyamala is the recipient of a dual scholarship - Chevening by FCDO, UK & Mansion House by Lord Mayor of the City of London and doing the MSc in Sustainable Energy at Imperial College London.
Project Title: LCA of Industrial Decarbonisation Opportunities using Hydrogen in the South Wales Industrial Cluster
Ara Sriskandarajah
Completing my bachelor’s degree at UCL, I have grown to observe and appreciate how the universe works at a molecular level. My thesis focused on preventative/diagnostic solutions to reduce microplastic input into our atmosphere gaining insight into tech innovation and policies supporting a circular economy. Outside of academia, I have worked for equity funds, angel investors and start-ups focusing on deal flows and high-growth tech companies. Pursuing this MSc, I’ve gained a holistic approach to rethinking energy and learning about technologies exploiting renewable energy. I hope to use this and my work experience to target sustainable technologies as potential venture investments.
Project Title: Applications of blockchain and P2P transactive energy market for achieving net zero emissions
Carlos Eduardo Vallejo Betancur
Born and raised in Colombia. I am an electrical and electronic engineer with a master’s degree in financial management. I have always been close to the energy sector throughout my studies and have received training in data analysis and technical knowledge about power systems and electricity markets. I have nine years of experience across the energy sector from the energy market and project management to business development. I decided to pursue an MSc in Sustainable Energy Futures to foster my knowledge on aspects such as economics, policy, energy planning, and business structuring in the framework of renewable energy development.
Project Title: Future of energy merchant markets in renewable energy: The case of Germany
Zixian Wang
As an undergraduate student in automotive engineering, I came to the MSc Sustainable Energy Futures program with the hope of acquiring knowledge and insights into electrification technologies within the automotive sector. Over the past half year of study, I have not only gained a solid understanding of major renewable energy technologies, but have also developed a new vision to describe the importance of net zero across various sectors of the globe. As the research project progresses, I hope to become an engineer and data expert in the sustainable road transport field within the next few years.
Project Title: Net Zero Solutions for the HGV Sector
Tanguy Wasson
During my first year at Ecole Centrale Lyon, I worked on a project to create and realize a vertical axis wind turbine. It was the first time I ever had a project related to sustainable energy, and it opened my eyes to what I wanted to do. I realized that beyond becoming an engineer, I wanted to put my skills and knowledge at the service of a meaningful purpose. And the purpose to which I am the most sensitive is safeguarding the environment. Thus, through my choice of courses, projects, and master’s degree, I have built my background and skills around renewable energies and the environment. I aim to participate in the energy transition and shape a greener future.
Project Title: Health co-benefits of modal shifts in sustainable urban transport systems
Quentin Wolf
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Technical University of Munich, Quentin ran as a CSU list candidate in the 2021 Bundestag elections. His main motivation was to directly contribute to a pragmatic transition towards a more sustainable society, especially in the transportation sector. Due to the weak election result of the CDU/CSU party in the 2021 Bundestag election, he was not elected as an MP and subsequently participated in the MSc Sustainable Energy Futures to gain more knowledge about sustainable solutions in a variety of areas.
Project Title: Cradle-to-grave Life Cycle Assessment of dominant battery technologies used in electric vehicles
Yingchen Xie
Yingchen Xie got his Bacholer Degree in automotive engineering in Tsinghua University in 2020. Concerned about the energy consumption and pollution issues caused by traditional engines, he has been devoted to the development of renewable industries and electric vehicles. He is currently a MSc student in SEF and wishes to progress to a PhD. His research interest is the design and management of the power battery in electric vehicles.
Project Title: Degradation model for solid-state lithium-ion battery considering the interface instability
Zihan Yin
Zihan Yin graduated from University of Liverpool with First Class Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics. He is now a masters student in Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine. He studies Sustainable Energy Futures and shows strong interest in this industry. He hopes to attain a role as a Sustainability Consultant after graduation and then move into developing entrepreneurial interests. He wants to use his data sensitivity and critical thinking to catch the next wave of energy trends in the low-carbon era. For the past five years as a higher education student, Zihan has published two academic articles on sustainable building materials as well as data use in connected vehicles.
Project Title: GIS-Based modelling to identify suitable locations for solar farm construction
William Zard
Raised in Nigeria and then Lebanon, my background imprinted the importance of energy security and its access. After graduating from King's College London with a First Class Honours in Computer Science with Management (BSc), I chose to apply my background to improving sustainable energy systems and humanity's access to energy. Finally, I joined the SEF master's course, which served as the perfect environment to understand the complexities of the energy industry.
Project Title: Blockchain as a Solution for Transactive Energy Markets
Qichun Zhang
During undergraduate study in Mechanical Engineering, Qichun was first introduced to courses related to renewable energy technologies. She specifically applied and participated in a summer research project at Oxford University on the aerodynamic design and assessment of a wind turbine, during which she developed a strong interest in the field of sustainable energy. Therefore, after obtaining her undergraduate degree, she decided to pursue a MSc in Sustainable Energy Futures, acquiring knowledge in this field systematically and getting a wide insight into the energy sector.
Project Title: Solar-driven organic Rankine cycle (ORC) systems integrated with thermal energy storage