Graduate, postdoctoral researchers explore ways to change attitudes on energy

For Dr. Sara Tamrin, a postdoctoral researcher in the Schulich School of Engineering, integrating the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDI) in the contexts of engineering will foster a paradigm shift toward holistic and inclusive solution-centric energy research.

Tamrin, PhD'23, was one of two winners of the inaugural UCalgary Rapid Energy Innovation Kick-Start Awards (UREIKA, pronounced EUREKA), which provides funding for creative and innovative energy-related research and design activities in both STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) and non-STEM research areas. 

“Winning the URIEKA has empowered me to actively contribute to making an inclusive vision a priority in engineering practice: envisioning a future where engineering solutions focus not only on technological innovation, but also on the people they serve,” says Tamrin. 

Through URIEKA support, Tamrin has been able to work with experts to develop practical modules and guidelines for the EDI Lab in Engineering tool kit. The tool kit will give researchers the necessary tools and guidance to: develop a nuanced understanding of EDI principles in the context of engineering; embrace holistic perspectives by actively involving all stakeholders, including communities, in research projects; effectively communicate their research findings through knowledge-mobilization strategies informed by an EDI lens; and implement an interactive framework for monitoring and assessing the impact of their research.

“Looking ahead, I am excited to scale its implementation and create a dedicated training course that will inspire future engineers to embed equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility values into their research and practice," says Tamrin.

A different approach to energy solutions

The program encourages new researchers to engage with the community through out-of-the-box approaches to energy research, focusing on innovative and creative solutions.

According to Dr. Ian Gates, PhD, associate vice-president (research and innovation) and director of the Global Research Initiative, UREIKA is a no-holds-barred competition for graduate and postdoctoral scholars that can take on any form or format.

“Any form of creation that has an impact is important, whether it is scientific, economic, policy-based, or built in an area of visual or performing arts,” says Gates. “The most counterintuitive approach to a problem could be the one that wins. The key is creativity — totally new concepts at the start of the innovation funnel.” 

Award provides validation of research ideas

Shahin Parvar’s project, EnerChain: Empowering Decentralized Markets for a Sustainable Future, investigates the implementation of Web3 and blockchain technology for the future of electricity transactions. It considers real-world limitations such as grid capacity, existing and future renewable energy sources, and the role of “prosumers,” someone who is both a consumer and producer (through home photovoltaic or solar panels) of electricity.

“The URIEKA was a great validation of my research efforts and supporting futurist and advanced ideas in the field,” says Parvar, a PhD candidate in the Department of Electrical and Software Engineering. “The support from this award has allowed me to explore innovative solutions in power systems.”

Second competition now accepting applications

The second UREIKA competition is now open, with the theme Energy Transition: Relationship between Society and Solutions.

“Our goal is to inspire folks to look at energy issues and think of grand challenges from a non-traditional point of view,” says Gates. 

For Parvar, the program has been a huge motivator for continuing his research at UCalgary.

“Winning the URIEKA has been an incredible honour and a motivating force in my PhD journey," says Parvar. "It allowed me to expand the scope of my work and collaborate with experts in the field.”  

Interested graduate or postdoctoral students can learn more on the website. Applications are due Dec. 15.