press releases
Social scientist joins campus energy institute
July 2008
ANN ARBOR, Mich.
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Carl Simon |
An expert in public policy, economics and mathematics known for innovative modeling of social phenomena is on board this month as associate director for social science and policy in the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute at U-M.
Carl P. Simon’s appointment enforces the institute’s unique approach to solving global energy challenges, adding a long-range sensibility to problems to compliment short-term solutions.
“One way I see the university playing the major role in looking at the energy crisis is the realization that it is much more than an engineering problem, it really involves social science and policy,” Simon said. “University of Michigan is the social science university. Harnessing some of that activity and research in energy issues will put us far ahead of all our competitors.”
Simon will help coordinate and shape the institute’s projects that explore not only what technology and innovations will reduce the use of fossil fuels, but also understand the long-range impact of new technology, how policy can be appropriately influenced and how consumers will react to new ways of using power.
“Science and technology is only a part of the answer, and sometimes, not even the big part,” said Gary S. Was, director of the institute. “We’ve yet to figure out how to deliberately diffuse technology through our social systems in a way that gets it right the first time and avoids unanticipated consequences that often cause severe setbacks in the progress of technology. Carl brings an understanding of how to approach the infusion and implementation of technological solutions that will be key in realizing their success.”
Simon’s expertise centers on mathematical models that involve natural dynamics or motion. He has applied dynamic modeling to the movements of an economy over time, the spread of AIDS and the evolution of ecological and economic systems.
He is a professor in the Gerald Ford School of Public Policy and in mathematics. He received his PhD in mathematics from Northwestern University.
The Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute develops, coordinates and promotes multidisciplinary energy research and education at the U-M. Some 75 faculty in disciplines ranging from engineering to policy to environmental science to urban planning are a part of the institute.
