Sarah’s PhD at the Crawford School of Public Policy focuses on what enables the adoption of lower carbon practices and broad-based support for climate action policy. She is currently undertaking four research projects:

1. Unconventional Climate Advocates – strategies used to build support for climate policy in communities considered opposed to climate action (Feb-June 23).

2. What Shapes Lower Carbon Practices? – a systematic review to develop a framework for multi-disciplinary exploration of lower carbon practices (Feb 23-Sept 24).

3. Canberra Community Cooktops Research Study – the social dynamics and impacts of policy on household electrification (May-Nov 23).

4. Equity and acceptability of policies for electric vehicle adoption (Aug 24-Mar 25).

Her research focuses on the social dynamics of energy and lower carbon transitions, employing innovative methodologies and drawing on theoretical approaches to suit the research problems. Between her four studies, she will have employed a variety of approaches including elite interviews, community canvassing, a large scale-survey and a systematic review.

Sarah’s career showcases a robust network of connections across industry, government, and academia. Prior to her PhD, she held leadership positions in international development, including roles with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Notably, she co-led the Developmental Leadership Program Phase Two and Three, a $3 million collaboration between DFAT, the University of Birmingham, and La Trobe University, ensuring the research shaped policy and practice across Australia’s aid program. During her PhD, she has fostered industry partnerships; for instance, conducting her household electrification study in collaboration with an ACT environmental organization. In 2023, she was invited to present to the Councillor’s Group of the Climate Council. Her founding and co-convening of the “Society and Climate Change” seminar series at ANU further demonstrates her ability to bridge academia and policy. In 2017 she was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for Humanitarian Services in Nepal and in 2023 she was chosen as one of the Future Leaders at the Planetary Health Equity Hothouse at ANU.

Sarah’s ORCID ID is https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3843-6032.