Megan Connolly
PhD Student
Profile
Biography
I have a strong interest in public attitudinal research, in particular public attitudes towards sustainable energy technologies. I studied BSc Environmental Geography at the University of York and investigated public attitudes towards the proposed River Mersey tidal power scheme for my dissertation. Later studying MSc Water, Energy and the Environment at Liverpool John Moores University. I continued my public attitudinal research through exploring factors affecting the uptake of household renewable energy systems in North West England. This has led me into researching public attitudes to fusion energy for my PhD.
Research
Overview
Nuclear fusion is an emergent method of sustainable energy generation. There has been a limited number of studies exploring social dimensions of fusion energy, with even fewer concentrating on public perceptions and attitudes. Therefore, my research aims to develop an understanding of public attitudes to fusion energy, in particular the perceived benefits and risks throughout the UK. Further to this, whether these attitudes vary in relation to a number of factors such as; social groupings (demographics) and proximity to potential prototype fusion sites.
