Energy & Environmental Justice Lab

Dr. Wei-An Chen is a post-doctoral research associate at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, specializing in architecture and architectural engineering. Her research focuses on the built environment, energy efficiency, and clean energy transition in buildings. With a particular emphasis on integrating human-centric research, Dr. Chen aims to understand the relationship between energy efficiency, occupants' well-being, and their behaviors and perceptions. She provides design strategies and measurements to enhance building performance, drawing from her interdisciplinary background in architecture design and architectural engineering. Additionally, Dr. Chen strives to integrate renewable energy adoption and energy-saving measures to propose policy implications for achieving decarbonization. Her work is published in notable journals such as Applied Energy, Building and Environment, and Sustainable Cities and Society. Actively engaged with interdisciplinary networks, she collaborates to advance the understanding of human-centric research in energy efficiency.

Jiaqi is an international student from China. He is currently pursuing his doctoral degree in industrial engineering at UTK. He is interested in using industrial engineering tools to explore sociological topics. Jiaqi received his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Accounting from the College of the Holy Cross. Later on, Jiaqi completed his Master of Science in Business Analytics degree at Washington University in St.  Louis. In Jiaqi’s free time, he enjoys traveling to different cities and experiencing different cultures. Jiaqi also loves cooking different types of foods.

Julia is a rising senior creating her own major in the College Scholars program, where she is bridging engineering with its larger socio-economic and environmental implications on society. She’s the president of the Compost Coalition and Plastic Free UT, and the outreach chair for the American Society of Civil Engineers. Outside of school, she loves to go for hikes, trail run, work on art projects, cook/bake, and spend quality time with family and friends. If you want any Knoxville bakery recommendations or vegetarian-friendly recipes, feel free to reach out!

Stephanie, on the precipice of obtaining her undergraduate degree, is about to begin an exciting new chapter of her academic journey. With only one semester remaining, she anticipates the start of her graduate studies in Electrical Engineering at the University of Tennessee in Spring 2024. Alongside her commitment to her studies, Stephanie finds fulfillment in various activities during her leisure time. Whether it's engaging in playful interactions with her beloved canine companion, immersing herself in the serene art of paddleboarding and hiking, or nurturing her collection of cherished houseplants, Stephanie's passions infuse her life with vitality and balance.

Marion is a senior in her undergraduate degree. Her degree is in communications studies with a minor in business administration at the University of Tennessee.  In December 2023, she will graduate with her undergraduate and start applying for master's programs. Outside of the classroom, Marion loves hiking, reading, writing, and learning new skills. She is very excited about this upcoming season of her life and cannot wait to see what happens next! 

Robin Rickard is a rising senior pursuing a degree in both Sociology and Forensic Anthropology. Through the combination of her two degrees, Robin seeks to explore the intricate ways in which the disciplines can be concise and yet remain distinct. This passion for forensic anthropology reflects her dedication to understanding the complex interplay between societal dynamics and the enduring traces left in bones, contributing to a holistic comprehension of the human experience. Looking ahead, Robin envisions pursuing graduate studies in anthropology, driven by the desire to advance research in the field. Beyond academia, Robin takes delight in spending time with animals, listening to podcasts, and artistic endeavors.