1978: Sustainability focus

Views: 3,665 views. Comments: 1 Comment.
Tags: summer-2011, sustainability

Lorraine Stephenson

Lorraine Stephenson, Bachelor of Science, Master of Business Administration

Dr Lorraine Stephenson is combining her science and business skills to benefit the environment in her new role as Chief Clean Energy Advisor to the Queensland Government.

With experience in senior management roles at Caltex and Origin Energy, regular attendance at the annual United Nations climate change meetings since 2000, and participating in the 2020 Summit in Canberra, Dr Stephenson knows a thing or two about sustainability.

A love of chemistry and research initially led Dr Stephenson to complete a science degree at UQ, which was followed by a PhD at Macquarie University.

However, after working in business for a few years, Dr Stephenson was looking to gain specific education in areas such as economics, accounting and marketing, so she decided to enrol in an MBA at UQ.

“My studies have given me the skills in science, research and business that are ideal for sustainability and climate change work,” she said.

“It is one of the great global challenges to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy to a growing population.

“Queensland is extremely well placed with a wide range of energy resources, including renewable options.”

Dr Stephenson has recently returned to UQ, not as a student, but as a contributor to the development of a new Master of Energy Studies (MES) being offered in 2012.

“The MES will be a multi-disciplinary degree to equip students for the transition to a low-carbon future,” she said.

“This is very important as the decision-making is quite complex and crosses over disciplines when you have to consider energy issues overlaid with climate change factors such as an increasing carbon price.”

With the support of corporate funding, the program will be administered by the International Energy Centre, which is being formed by UQ, the University of Western Australia and the University of Newcastle.

“Students will work as a cohort through coursework and practical activities to better appreciate the range of technologies available, and the challenge and opportunities to provide energy to match demand in the coming decades,” Dr Stephenson said.

And if her roles at the Queensland Government and UQ aren’t enough to keep her busy, Dr Stephenson has recently opened her own business that provides energy and climate change strategic advice to the corporate sector and governments.

“Lightning Consulting Services helps companies interpret the new Australian legislation and the international regulations, identify opportunities and mitigate risks in the transition to a more sustainable future,” she said.

By Caroline Bird

• Home
• Graduate Contact
• Alumni Profiles
• Global Education: Divining world trends