I am a Professor at Aston University's Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI), where I lead the EBRI Systems Analysis group. With a robust background in sustainable bioenergy systems and the transition to low-carbon societies, my work spans the realms of engineering, natural, and social sciences.

Research Leadership and Expertise

I bring extensive expertise in the bioenergy sector, covering biomass availability, conversion technologies, BECCS, market dynamics, and end-user demand. My research leadership includes successful management of UKRI- and Government-funded projects, along with industry-academic partnerships. My diverse funding portfolio includes EPSRC, BBSRC, NERC, ESRC, Innovate UK, and UK Aid. Over my 15+ years in academia, I have built an exceptional interdisciplinary research track record, proficient in both quantitative and qualitative methods.

Collaboration and Impact

Collaboration is at the heart of my work. I have longstanding experience working with industry, the public sector, and the broader public to drive forward sustainable bioenergy solutions. As a mentor and supervisor, I guide research staff and PhD students, fostering the next generation of scientists in STEM.

Commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are core to my mission. I am proud to have led the successful Athena Swan Gold Award for the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences , and supported Aston University's institutional Athena Swan Gold Award and Bronze Race Equality Charter.

Research areas

• Bioenergy and bioeconomy
• Energy system resilience
• Sustainability
• Climate change
• Negative emissions
• Bioenergy and Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS)
• Bioenergy in the context of global challenges and development
• Bioenergy and interfaces with forestry and agriculture
• Land use

Skills and methods

• Life cycle assessment
• Emission accounting and carbon budgets
• Environmental and sustainability assessment
• Socio-economic and social assessment
• Policy analysis
• Social justice
• Whole systems approaches
• Stakeholder engagement

• Prince Anthony Okoro: The cost of the transition to a low-carbon future. Economic and socio-economic feasibility of bioenergy in Nigeria (since October 2021)
• Dan Taylor: A political economy approach to sustainable production of bioenergy and bioproducts (since January 2022)
• Dan Abudu: The Future of Forests in sub-Saharan Africa (since October 2022)

Completed PhDs

• Samira Garcia Freites: Using agricultural residues to support sustainable development: A case study of coffee stems gasification to supply energy demands in rural areas of Colombia https://www.escholar.manchester.ac.uk/uk-ac-man-scw:323470

Sustainability and climate change mitigation

• Sustainability assessment of bioenergy, biobased products, net zero and carbon dioxide removal technologies. (LCA, TEA, socio-economics, social impacts) 
• Holistic system dynamic analysis of sustainability and climate change impacts assessing system trade-offs and synergies for risk mitigation and benefit optimisation
• Advising on introduction of holistic sustainability frameworks in organisations, processes and policies

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

• Experienced in writing and reviewing EDI frameworks and strategies
• Advising on introduction of EDI frameworks in organisations, processes and policies

Review and QA

• Experience in reviewing and advising on funding applications, scientific manuscripts, academic and non-academic reports

Associate Editor Biomass and Bioenergy

Associate Editor for Bioenergy for WIREs Energy and Environment (2021-23)

Guest Editor for Biomass and Bioenergy, Special Issue Development of modern bioenergy approaches in low- and middle-income countries

You are intested in doing a PhD? Get in touch!

Potentiao PhD topics are:

• Enviromental impacts and climate change
• Sustainable bioenergy
• Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage/use
• Carbon dioxid removal
• Energy policy
• Socio-economic and social aspects of bioenergy deployment
• or propose your own topic :)