Gerry Reaburn, PhD Researcher
Dundalk Institute of Technology
Gerry is from Ireland and has many year’s experience working in Energy and Rural Community Development and funding. Prior to commencing his PhD studies, Gerry graduated with an MSc in Renewable Energy Systems.
Gerry’s PhD focuses on 'Energy and Storage, Rural Solutions and Community Acceptance'.
In his research he has investigated energy use and efficiency in rural homes, farms and businesses. He has looked at the options for energy and cost reduction for these sectors by implementing behaviour change, building fabric upgrades, renewable energy solutions and energy storage deployment. Much of Gerry’s research concentrated on the domestic solutions in community energy projects including for households in energy poverty.
He has been very fortunate to be welcomed as an imbedded researcher with the award winning Dunleer Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) and latterly Irish Sustainable Communities Together (ISCT). This link meant the majority of his research data came from real world sources and opinions and responses were the peoples own.
What attracted you to complete your PhD in this area?
It was an opportunity to funnel lots of my previous work experience into one strand and put proper research around the theory.
What attracted you to study at Dundalk Institute of Technology?
Very good reputation and my previous experiences there.
What were your expectations for study and were these met?
Further my knowledge, sharpen my research ability and hopefully make an impact on policy and on the ground. I’m delighted that my research has made some difference and impacted on national policy especially in the recently launched national retrofit programme.
What were the highlights/lowlights of the programme?
Highlights were networking opportunities and meeting people and community groups. Lowlight was the impact COVID had on interaction with my community research and ability to physically meet with people.
How has the PhD influenced your career aspirations?
I want to stay in this industry and try to make an energy difference to people and business.
What’s next for you?
New job. Business Development Engineer at the CREDIT Technology Gateway in Dundalk Institute of Technology.
Publications
On analytical tools for assessing the raindrop erosion of wind turbine blades
K.Pugh(a),J.W.Nash(a),G.Reaburn(b),M.M.Stack(a).
(a) Tribology group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Strathclyde Glasgow, James Weir Building, 75 Montrose St, Glasgow, G1 1XJ, United Kingdom
(b) Centre for Renewables and Energy, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Co. Louth, A91 K584, Ireland