David Keith

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Fulbright Postgraduate Scholar

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“With global energy demand predicted to increase significantly this century, and limited future availability of conventional oil supplies, the transition to energy sustainability in our transport systems must occur in coming decades.”

David Keith, a Consultant Environmental Economist with URS Corporation, is the winner of a Fulbright Postgraduate Scholarship. He will use his Fulbright to undertake a PhD at the University of California, Davis, investigating the transition to widespread implementation of technologies for sustainable transportation.

David, a graduate of the University of Melbourne with a Master of Environment and Bachelors in Engineering and Commerce (Honours), will commence his Fulbright Scholarship in August 2008 with the Sustainable Energy Transportation Pathways Program in the Institute for Transportation Studies at UC Davis.

“Through my doctoral research I will investigate the consequences of widespread implementation of sustainable energy technologies for transportation, and the role of technology and public policy in developing effective transitional strategies given uncertainties in technology, environmental science and politics.”

“With global energy demand increasing significantly this century, and limited future availability of conventional oil supplies, the transition to sustainability in transportation must occur in coming decades. My research directly addresses the need to develop solutions in a collaborative manner that balance economic, environmental and social impacts.”

“I intend to articulate how effective long-term transitional strategies can be developed to achieve plentiful low-cost energy for transportation, while having minimal impact on the environment, in light of rapidly growing global energy demand and limited future availability of conventional oil supplies.”

David has worked as a consultant with a range of government agencies and leading companies including Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, General Motors Holden and Murray Goulburn Co-operative, and has an extensive professional network, providing a clear pathway to share the skills and knowledge he develops while studying in the U.S.

David has studied previously abroad, receiving a Melbourne Abroad Scholarship for exchange study at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver (2006). David also received an Academic Scholarship for his undergraduate studies while a resident of University College at the University of Melbourne.