Kate is a mixed-methods researcher currently focused on user-experiences of digital wellbeing and energy control technologies in the home.

Previously, at the Sustainability Research Institute, University of Leeds, I explored sustainable construction: training, skills and offsite housing on three impact accelerator projects, funded by ESRC and EPSRC.

Present work stems from my LoLo PhD research titled ‘energy efficiency refurbishment to UK owner-occupied homes: The householders’ perspective'(Project W2LP14), which combined qualitative data on experiences and perception with quantitative modelled and measured data on energy performance and indoor environment quality.

During my PhD I undertook an internship with the Centre for Sustainable Energy, working on consultancy research projects focused on domestic energy use including smart metering and smart city development.

My MRes dissertation was focused on the indoor air quality (IAQ) of a Victorian School with a post-1968 extension (W2LP6); included collection and analysis of CO2 and temperature data from the school.

Alongside other LoLo researchers, I have carried out a number of public engagement activities which aim to communicate our research in an accessible way. I have also volunteered on domestic energy retrofit projects to better understand the technical details.

PhD Thesis

Energy efficiency refurbishment of UK owner-occupied homes: the householders’ perspective

Masters’ paper:

Simpson, K. (2011)”The indoor air quality of a Victorian school with a post-1968 extension”, Arup Conference: People and Buildings Conference for Masters Students, 23 September 2011. London