Red X iconGreen tick iconYellow tick icon

The Otago Energy Research Centre brings together researchers with a common interest in the transition of New Zealand's energy system to one which is efficient, secure, sustainable, and carbon neutral. A key strength is the diversity of its researchers from all four Divisions of Otago University. We have over 250 people on our events mailing list, spanning Otago staff, students and the wider community.

Below are our Steering Group Membersand Principal Investigators.

If you wish to join our network or have a question about OERC please email oercadmin@otago.ac.nz.

Co-Directors

Sean Connelly

Sean-Connelly-2-head

Sean is Co-Director of OERC. He is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Geography. Community response to sustainability challenges is a recurring theme in his teaching and research. He is a member of Our Food Network, whose mission is to stimulate the production, distribution and consumption of local food and in that way contributes to the building of a resilient and prosperous community.

Sean writes a regular column “Seeds for Change” in the Otago Daily Times on food and sustainability.

Sean's profile

Tel +64 3 479 8771
Email sean.connelly@otago.ac.nz

Michael Jack

Michael Photo 186w

Michael is Co- Director of OERC. He is an Associate Professor in Physics and is Director of the Otago Energy Studies Programme.

His research focus is on fundamental and applied research into a wide range of sustainable energy areas.

He specialises in applying methods fromtheoretical physics to renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.

Michael's profile

Tel +64 3 479 7753
Email michael.jack@otago.ac.nz

OERC Steering Group

TitleNameSurnameDepartment
Dr Arjan Abeynaike Physics
Professor Sally Brooker Chemistry
Mr Craig Cliff Sustainability Office
Dr Sean Connelly Geography
Dr Grant Duffy Business Development
Professor Julian Eaton-Rye Biochemistry
Professor David Eyers Computer Science
Dr Sebastian Gehricke Accounting & Finance
Associate Professor Michael Jack Physics
Mr Shane Jenkins Property Services
Dr Sam Lowrey Physics
Dr Jen Purdie Centre for Sustainability
Dr Inga Smith Physics
Professor Janet Stephenson Centre for Sustainability
Mrs Helen Viggers Public Health
Associate Professor Sara Walton Management

OERC Principal Investigators and Faculty

In order of Division, then Department, then Surname

Commerce

TitleNameSurnameDepartment OERC Role
Associate Professor Ivan Diaz-Rainey Accounting and Finance  
Professor David Lont Accounting and Finance  
Dr Paul Thorsnes Economics  
Professor Stephen Cranefield Information Science  
Associate Professor Jeremiah Deng Information Science Steering Group
Emeritus Professor Martin Purvis Information Science  
Dr Maryam Purvis Information Science  
Associate Professor Sara Walton Management Steering Group

Health Sciences

TitleNameSurnameDepartment OERC Role
Professor Julian Eaton-Rye Biochemistry Steering Group
Mrs Helen Viggers Public Health Steering Group
Dr Alex MacMillan Preventive & Social Medicine  


Humanities

TitleNameSurnameDepartment OERC Role
Professor Janet Stephenson Centre for Sustainability OERC Founder / Steering Group
Dr Sean Connelly Geography Co-Director


Science

TitleNameSurnameDepartment OERC Role
Professor Sally Brooker Chemistry  
Dr Anna Garden Chemistry  
Professor Keith Gordon Chemistry Steering Group
Associate Professor David Eyers Computer Science Steering Group
Associate Professor Andrew Trotman Computer Science  
Professor Miranda Mirosa Food Science  
Associate Professor Virginia Toy Geology  
Associate Professor Sandra Mandic Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences  
Emeritus Professor Gerry Carrington Physics & Centre for Sustainability OERC Founder
Associate Professor Michael Jack Physics Co-Director
Dr Sam Lowrey Physics Steering Group
Dr Inga Smith Physics Steering Group
Associate Professor Zhifa Sun Physics Steering Group
Professor Sarah Wakes Mathematics  

For administrative matters and event coordination

Email oercadmin@otago.ac.nz

Back to top