Dr Angela Smith

Profile

I am a research fellow within the Energy Demand Research Centre (EDRC), based at the Institute for Transport Studies. As part of the EDRC Place Theme I am researching the potential for a place-based focus to support a fairer and more effective transition to sustainable transport and energy use practices. In particular, I am exploring capability disparities between places, recognising how different types of places present different barriers and opportunites.  

I was previously based at Bournemouth University as a research fellow contributing to the E-Drone and Future Flight in Place Projects. The E-Drone project used NHS Case studies to understand the potential for drones to be integrated into logistics systems. I conducted a series of interviews with NHS practitioners to understand existing transport use practices associated with the movement of time senstitive items (e.g., diagnostic samples) and was helped to develop an approach for engaging stakeholders in discussions around the potential integration of drones into transport systems. This included the deployment of VR and games to support survey work alongside a short animation providing an overview of potential issues. The Future Flight in Place Project built in this work to explore stakeholder perspectives of both drones and eVTOL (electric air taxis) from a place-based perspective. 

My PhD used a social practice lens to examine how visitors interacted with transport in a rural destination area using the case study of the New Forest National Park and I have a continued interest in the impact of visitor transport on rural destination areas. I help to facilitate the Decabonising Leisure Transport Network which hosts regular presentations from practitioners and academics working towards greater non-car access to these areas.  Before working in research, I worked as a Transport Planner as a consultant and was part of the Bicester Delivery Team at Cherwell District Council. 

Research interests

I am interested in supporting a just (and faster) transition to sustainable transport and energy use practices. I am particularly interested in developing approaches to communicate more effectively to support this transition. 

Qualifications

• PhD Bournemouth University
• MRes Built Environment
• BSc Environmental Science

Professional memberships

• Transport Planning Society

Research groups and institutes

• Social and Political Sciences