Crawford School of Public Policy

Crawford School introduces our fantastic staff, so you can meet the people of Asia and the Pacific’s leading graduate policy school.

This time around, we talk to Research Fellow Dr Mousami Prasad about the opportunities a renewable energy transition can bring for society and the economy.

What is your role at Crawford School and what do you enjoy most about it?

I am a joint Research Fellow for the Energy Transition Hub and the Grand Challenge Program for Zero Carbon Energy. I am really happy to be part of multiple collaborations and engaging with scholars from different disciplines and subjects. Apart from the research, it gives me a humble opportunity to get to know different cultures.

Why did you choose to work at Crawford School?

For me, choosing Crawford School was guided by several factors like an exciting work profile offered by the school, its good international rankings, location, and personal work-life balance.

Can you tell us a bit more about how your research matters today?

Nowadays, there is a growing concern about the environment and climate change, and an increased understanding of its adverse impacts. In an attempt to explore sustainable choices, my research focuses on energy issues – especially the transition to renewables. My research looks at the bright side – at the opportunities that renewables as energy source, and exports based on renewables, can bring to an economy.

Have you developed any new working-from-home routines or habits?

Yes, I have changed my working routine to balance my time at work with looking after my three-year-old boy. Instead of a strict routine, my work timing is now more flexible. So, rather than five working days, I manage my work across six days. I also work late at night, so I can have more flexibility during the day. I have also shifted the cooking to the afternoon and I’m having more teas.

All of our jobs have undergone major changes during the COVID-19 crisis. How has your role changed and how might we go about addressing some of the challenges that come with this change going forward?

My role has largely remained the same; however, being very new to the school and the city, I did miss the in-person interactions when I first arrived. With most of the meetings moving online, consistent focus remains an issue. Besides, I found the distinction between work and personal life almost disappearing. Having said that, I found initiatives like Women’s Writing Day supportive.