My research makes a significant impact in the built environment sector, particularly enhancing occupant comfort and well-being. Through early incorporation of occupant behaviors and preferences into the design, renovation, and retrofitting of buildings, my efforts aim at bolstering energy efficiency, cutting down emissions, and uplifting living standards. This forward-thinking strategy, highlighted in my scholarly publications, pushes the envelope in sustainable building practices by ensuring spaces are occupant-centric from the get-go, thus circumventing expensive post-construction alterations.
I have involved in significant projects at both international and national levels, notably spearheading the Västerbotten pilot of the H2020-AURORAL project to cultivate smart, sustainable communities and enhance energy efficiency. Additionally, my role in the Envisioning Urban Transitions project collaborates with universities across Latvia, Sweden, and The Netherlands to foster innovative, sustainable urban development through creative and virtual methodologies. My involvement extends to initiatives funded by FORMAS, the Swedish Energy Agency, and Kempestiftelserna, further contributing to my expertise in building resilient and empowered communities.
As an assistant supervisor, I have mentored a PhD student (Pengju Liu) on occupant-centric demand response research, guiding his journey towards completion. My expertise in occupant behavior and simulation has been crucial in directing his research, integrating immersive virtual environments with thermal modeling. I have shared my PhD insights to avoid common pitfalls and encouraged his participation in conferences to expand his academic network. This mentorship underscores my commitment to fostering academic growth and contributing to sustainable building practices.