Connor is from Randalstown, Northern Ireland and began his PhD studies in July 2018.
A graduate of Queens, Connor studied Software and Electronics System Engineering at the University. Connor also gained industry experience in software roles at semiconductor and consultancy companies prior to starting his PhD studies.
Connor’s PhD is entitled 'Oscillation Location and Mitigation Using Energy Storage'.
What attracted you to complete your PhD in this area?
The stability challenge of oscillations on Ireland’s power system was largely elusive and root causes of why they take place is largely unknown. Given the threat severe oscillations can have on a power system I found it was important to research this area, innovate new solutions and future operational policy.
What attracted you to study at Queen’s University?
Studied at Queen’s before and the SPIRE2 program that would have other like-minded peers!
What were your expectations for study and were these met?
Expectations from the research has largely been satisfactory. However, there is still plenty of room for future research.
What were the highlights/lowlights of the programme?
Highlights have been industry interest from the research. Lowlights have been the tedious nature of analyzing data from Ireland’s power system.
How has the PhD influenced your career aspirations?
It has ultimately made me realise how far power systems and the energy economy must go to be carbon neutral by 2050.
What’s next for you?
Hopefully a role within the power system industry!