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WE FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT ...

Meaningful community engagement is essential for effective applied research, as communities have the best understanding of their own needs and priorities.

Reliable, accessible, and trustworthy data is essential for informed decision-making. Innovative technology can bridge gaps in data-scarce areas, addressing unique challenges effectively.

Collaborative applied research involving multidisciplinary academic and non-academic partnerships maximizes its relevance in addressing real-world problems.

It is crucial to consider how underserved communities impact and are impacted by our research approaches, and insights to ensure equity, justice, and inclusion

Solar Panels in Mountains
IDEAS lab logo

IDEAS for Community-Responsive Development-Centered Energy Systems

Our research lab is part of the University of Washington's Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. We aim to advance sustainable, inclusive, equitable, and integrated energy systems development and planning. Our mission is to empower underserved communities and promote social development through innovative research at the intersection of climate, energy, and development and by producing and sharing data-driven insights.

OUR TEAM

Team

 DR. JUNE LUKUYU

Principal Investigator
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June is an Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the of Washington, with a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, an MSc. in Renewable Energy Systems Technology from Loughborough University, UK, and a BS in Engineering Science from Smith College. She is affiliated with the UW Clean Energy Institute, co-PI with the e-GUIDE initiative, fellow with the Energy for Growth Hub, and served on the board of Spark NorthWest.

ELIANE NIRERE
PHD Student

Eliane Nirere

Eliane earned her master's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a specialization in Energy Systems from Carnegie Mellon University Africa. Her research focuses on the planning and implementation of technologies that enhance sustainable energy access in underserved communities.

AHANA MUKHERJEE
PHD Student

Ahana Mukherjee

Ahana has a bachelor's degree in Civil & Environmental Engineering from UCLA and a master's degree in Energy, Civil Infrastructure, and Climate from UC Berkeley. She has experience designing and implementing utility-scale battery energy storage systems and commercial solar and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Her research interests include renewable energy power systems, electrification, energy access, and socially conscious equitable designs.

KWAME DONKOR
PHD Student

Kwame Donkor

Kwame is passionate about enhancing the reliability and sustainability of electrical grid systems through data analytics. He is excited about the possibilities of using data from grids and renewable energy sources to meet demand shortfalls and provide cheaper, better-quality electricity for underserved communities. Kwame has extensive experience in the electrical services and automation industry in Accra, Ghana, and is drawn to autonomous systems. In his free time, he enjoys the occasional Netflix binge, playing football (not the American one!), taking long walks, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with friends.

MIQUILINA ANAGBAH
PHD Student

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Miquilina's passion for clean energy access and mini-grid development is electrifying! With a strong foundation in power systems analysis, design, and operations, Miquilina aims to revolutionize how we think about electrification for sustainable development. She earned her Master's in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University Africa. Her research dives deep into mini-grid techno-economic analyses and grid integration studies and looks for new ways to push the boundaries of what's possible. Outside the lab, she loves studying new languages and playing the piano.

OUR WORK

current research

Multi-Stakeholder Perspectives of Electric Bus Service in Kigali, Rwanda


Supported by: BasiGo 

Collaborator: STIMA Lab, UMass Amherst

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Energizing Communities: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Sustainable Rural Electrification


Supported by UW Royalty Research Fund

Centering community needs and local governance: An integrated approach to decentralized electrification in East Africa

Collaborators:  Elise Harrington, UMN ; Maria Nantongo, MUBS & Nicholas Mukisa, MUBS

PUBLICATIONS

Publications

JOURNAL ARTICLES

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CONFERENCE PAPERS

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REPORTS, MEMOS AND BLOG POSTS

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Journal articles
Conference papers
Reports and Memos

MEDIA & PRESENTATIONS

MEDIA

Coffee Break Briefing with June Lukuyu: Guiding an EV Future in Africa

Coffee Briefing Energy for Growth Hub
CONTACT

PARTNERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS

Partnerships
CEI
e-GUIDE
Energy for Growth Hub
Spark Northwest
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