About Energy Trans

Thomas Webler, Ph.D.
Started in 2014, the Energy Trans Lab is a place where research and teaching about  energy systems transitions intersect.

​Inspired by John Dewey's notions of education, citizenship, and pragmatism, we build connections between research in the public interest and student-centered undergraduate education in Energy Studies.  

    Our student researchers are encouraged to apply their learning and engage in research with practical ramifications for public policy and citizenship.  Research results are intended to serve the public good.
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I am an Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies at Keene State College in Keene, NH.  My interests are in the transformation of energy systems, particularly the human considerations of technological and societal change. I direct the Energy Trans Lab and teach courses in Environmental Governance and Energy Transitions (starting Spring 2018).
At Western Washington University I taught courses in Energy Policy, Energy Systems Transitions,, and Community Solutions to Climate Change.

Research Agenda

Our research agenda includes three broad stages.  In Stage 1 (the present stage), our work focuses on documenting the state of energy systems.  We aim to construct a rich image depicting:
  • how energy is produced, transferred, and consumed;
  • who are the key policy actors contributing to state energy policy decisions; and
  • the nature of the policy environment that is responsible for the resilience of existing systems as well as the initiatives for change.
   In Stage 2  our focus will broaden.  We will identify and characterize cutting edge technological applications and policy initiatives that are pioneering new low-carbon energy systems. Our inquiry will adopt a critical perspective as we investigate the performance of the emerging energy system on:
  • energy justice
  • environmental and social sustainability
  • democracy and civic engagement

   In Stage 3 we will develop decision support tools to help policy and decision makers of all types who are engaged in energy decisions.  

Opportunities for Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students interested in energy policy and energy transitions are welcome to join an ongoing project at the Energy Trans Lab or to propose their own project.
   Funding is often available to support research and conference posters and presentations.
     Undergraduate students interested in contributing should contact Professor Webler in his office SCI 255 or the contact page.