Staff
Helena Hastie
Associate Lecturer
Amory
Amory Building, University of Exeter, Rennes Drive, Exeter, EX4 4RJ , UK
Office hours: Term 1: Tuesdays 11am-12pm Thursdays 11.30am-12.30pm Please email for an appointment
Overview
Helena is researching access to electricity in the Kingdom of Eswatini, Southern Africa, looking at the generation of renewal energy, grid extension to rural households and the affordability of energy options. A specific area of interest is how development can be re-imagined to better represent the aspirations of those it seeks to help.
She holds a Masters degree in International Development focusing on community-led development in rural Zambia, and a Masters degree in the Public Understanding of Environmental Change bringing this multi-disciplinary approach to her current research.
Helena has gained practical experience working in the development sector and as a trustee of an international development NGO, the Baha'i Agency for Social and Economic Development (BASED-UK). She is a committee member of the Energy Geographies Research Group of the RGS.
Broad Research Specialisms
Southern Africa, renewable energy, international development, sustainable development, the SDG’s.
Qualifications
MSc International Development (University of Birmingham)
MSc Public Understanding of Environmental Change (University College London)
BSc History, Philosophy and Social Studies of Science (University College London)
Links
Research group links
Research
Research interests
- Sustainable development
- Southern Africa
- Renewable energy
- Critiques of development theory
Research projects
- 2023 'Warm Banks' project: collaborating with Dr Catherine Butler and Dr Leila Dawney on a pilot study to understand the significance and usage of warm spaces offered by community groups in Devon during the winter of 22/23.
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2021-ongoing ‘Energy in Eswatini’: PhD research on energy access in the Kingdom of Eswatini, southern Africa.
Research Groups & External Responsibilities:
Environment & Sustainability Research Group
RGS Energy Geographies Research Group: Committee Member
Teaching
GEO1309 Study Skills
GEO2135: In/Visible Spaces of Modern Life
GEO2465: Doing Human Geography Research
GEO3311 BA Dissertation