Research Highlights
David Solan, Ph.D.
Director, Energy Policy Institute
David Solan, an assistant professor in the Department of Public Policy and Administration, has been named the new director of the Energy Policy Institute and an associate director of the Center for Advanced Energy Studies, Vice President for Research Mark Rudin announced today.
Solan assumes his new position on Monday. He will be responsible for directing and managing all EPI programs, including applied research and education. He will also work with the Idaho National Laboratory and with Idaho universities affiliated with CAES to advance the programs of EPI.
“Energy policy is an increasingly important issue in Idaho, and Dr. Solan brings outstanding qualifications and experience to his new position,” said Rudin. “As Boise State continues to advance its research agenda in the area of energy policy, EPI and Dr. Solan will play a pivotal role in our continuing progress.”
Rudin expressed his appreciation to Boise State political science professor John Freemuth, who has served as interim director of EPI since its founding in January 2006. During Freemuth’s tenure, the first Annual Energy Policy Institute Summit was held in March at Boise State. Freemuth was also a principal investigator for a recent study that looked at public discourse methods in energy policy decision making. In addition, EPI has conducted a number of public opinion surveys in conjunction with the Social Science Research Center that focused on critical issues such as electricity rates, power plant sitings, and alternative fuels.,
“Dr. Freemuth has done a terrific job as interim director of EPI, and we are grateful for his leadership,” Rudin said.
EPI is headquartered at Boise State and is comprised of policy researchers and educators from this university, Idaho State, University of Idaho and INL. EPI is also an integral part of CAES, which is a public/private partnership between the State of Idaho through its academic research institutions, and with the federal government through the U.S. Department of Energy and the INL.
Among Solan’s new responsibilities is overseeing energy policy research at Boise State, coordinating energy policy initiatives with other Idaho universities and the INL, and leading business development activities and outreach in the area of energy public policy. Prior to joining Boise State’s faculty in 2008, Solan served as a senior policy adviser at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as a staff member to a U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Government Reform, and as legislative director for former U.S. Rep. Wayne Gilchrest of Maryland. He earned a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Delaware in 2002.
“When it comes to energy policy and energy initiatives, we are confronted by tremendous opportunities as well as by significant challenges,” Solan said. “EPI and Boise State can truly have an impact in this important area, and I’m looking forward to the work ahead.”
More about EPI can be found at http://www.boisestate.edu/energypolicyinstitute/about.htm
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