Abstract
Dr. Johnson will introduce his approach to innovation in science and business with applications shared that accelerate the global transition to a resilient low-carbon economy. Emphasis is placed on the translation of science and engineering to demonstration and scaling. Examples will be taken from four synergistic cohorts including (1) Grid Modernization — grid-edge monitoring and control from circuits to systems, (2) Energy Resilience — providing resilience with an ROI to critical public facilities and military installations, (3) Global Energy Access — national and community-scale planning for affordable and reliable access to clean energy, (4) Workforce Development — training and education for a changing energy economy. Dr. Johnson will also share insights from his roles architecting public-private partnerships and developing non-traditional funding sources that advance application of knowledge for public benefit.
Bio
Dr. Nathan Johnson leads numerous efforts at Arizona State University to accelerate the advancement of environmental, social, and economic development goals through innovation in technology, business models, regulation, and stakeholder value propositions. These roles include Associate Professor in The Polytechnic School of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering; Director of the Laboratory for Energy And Power Solutions that provides technical and business solutions to facilitate the global transition to a resilient low-carbon economy; Director of the ASU-Starbucks Center for the Future of People and the Planet to advance environmental and social impact goals for a thriving future that catalyzes and inspires humanity and community development; and Assistant Director of Research for the Global Futures Laboratory to develop international collaborations and solutions that accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goals. Before joining ASU, Dr. Johnson completed product development and business development across 15 countries. His globally focused work continues in the Asia-Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East, and Latin America.
