Kathleen Araújo has been named the director of the Energy Policy Institute (EPI), which consists of more than 50 core staff, educators and affiliate professional researchers from the Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES) and around the globe. Araújo will begin her new role in July on Boise State University’s campus, where the institute’s physical office is housed.
“Energy is at the foreground of cross-cutting issues and opportunities from the local through to the global level, and EPI has an important role to play within this arena,” said Araújo. “I am delighted to be joining EPI to work with decision-makers and partners through evidence-based research and advising, while training future energy policy leaders.”
“We are excited and fortunate to have Kathy taking the reins of EPI,” said Harold Blackman, who acted as interim institute director. “Her vision, expertise, energy and experiences will take EPI to the next level of national and international recognition.”
Araújo’s expertise builds on the interface of energy decision-making, science and technology. She has worked as an assistant professor of energy-environmental innovation systems and policy at Stony Brook University; and as a researcher with Brookhaven National Laboratory where she worked in the divisions for nuclear non-proliferation and national security, and sustainable energy. She also is a book series editor for Routledge’s Studies in Energy Transitions.
Araújo’s publications include her book “Low Carbon Energy Transitions: Turning Points in National Policy and Innovation.” She specializes in strategic management and policy aspects of energy system change in the context of industrial development and innovation. In addition, she consults for governmental/inter-governmental organizations and industry.
Araújo earned her Ph.D. at MIT, completing post-doctoral research at the Harvard Kennedy School on science, technology and public policy, and nuclear safety.
The Energy Policy Institute is an integral part of CAES, the consortium comprised of the Idaho National Laboratory, Boise State University, the University of Idaho, Idaho State University, the University of Wyoming and private industry.