Green Gown Awards 2016 – Research and Development: Student – Danielle Butler – Winner

Danielle Butler, University of Salford

Based in the Sustainable Housing & Urban Studies Unit, at the University of Salford, Danielle is currently undertaking a PhD which aims to explore the role of intermediaries and the experiences of energy advice in the context of urban fuel poverty.

Danielle’s research interests and experience span various topics such as empty home ownership, homelessness, and fuel poverty. Most recently, Danielle completed an MSc by Research in which her project examined the attitudes and experiences of fuel poverty among young adult households. This project was motivated by a longstanding professional experience with Citizens Advice, a role which she continues alongside her studies.

Since completion, the research has been presented at a number of events and, in early 2017, findings from her work will be published in a Special Edition of the Indoor and Built Environment journal. Danielle is also an active member of the recently established Fuel Poverty Research Network.

Top 3 learnings

1 The power of social media! I’ve had some brilliant support and advice from people working in other professions and academic disciplines, but who also work in the same research area. Many times this has happened through discussions started on social media.

2 Invaluable experience gained outside of my studies. Getting involved in local, community based events and projects, and just talking to members of the community, has broadened my understanding in a way that wouldn’t have been possible from books alone.

3 I’ve learnt to take up as many opportunities as possible to go and tell people about my research. Stepping away from just writing about it. Every time I do my confidence grows and I learn something new about my interests and my research. 

Videos

• Danielle Butler, University of Salford (click to hide)