The Energy Management and Innovation Center (EMIC) offers a variety of initiatives designed to reach out to business leaders and policy makers who are interested in more effectively managing energy resources, successfully commercializing innovative technologies, and shaping future energy policy. EMIC also draws on expertise from across the University of Texas to offer a multidisciplinary approach to educate future business and policy leaders, creating a new generation of problem solvers.
Current Initiatives
Conferences and Panel Discussions
EMIC conferences and panel discussions bring together industry leaders, researchers and policy makers to discuss energy issues that influence executive decisions, national policies and public debate. EMIC members help determine conference topics and participate in panel discussions.
Energy Curriculum
The Energy Management and Innovation Center is establishing a core of energy-specific business curriculum in accounting, finance, marketing, financial and commodity risk management, and economics and geopolitical risk. The core curriculum is complemented by electives in energy technology and policy and the environment. The EMIC also supports international student energy treks.
Energy Management Briefs
To further knowledge sharing between our members and the McCombs faculty, the Center publishes Energy Management Briefs, which provide analysis and insight about energy industry topics. Additionally, Executive Director Sheridan Titman illuminates pertinent energy topics on Energy Insights, an online discussion forum. The purpose is to share insights on specific energy issues, introduce fellow researchers to energy management topics, and influence academic curriculum.
Natural Gas Policy Research Project
Energy Management and Innovation Center is collaborating with the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions a leading environmental think tank, to conduct a multipronged research project beginning with a pair of stakeholder workshops and culminating in the release of a major paper and a public event. The goal is to provide credible information to policymakers and stakeholders on ways that the natural gas boom can be leveraged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. and globally.
Leveraging Natural Gas to Reduce GHG Emissions
- Use in transportation sector
- Use in power sector
- Natural gas and other fuels
- Use in industrial sector
Leveraging Natural Gas to Reduce GHG Emissions Through Direct Use
- Use in residential buildings
- Use in commercial buildings
- U.S. natural gas infrastructure
- Distributed generation and emerging technologies
UT Energy Poll
The University of Texas at Austin Energy Poll provides an objective, authoritative look at consumer attitudes and perspectives on key energy issues. It is designed to help inform national discussion, business planning and policy development. Conducted biannually, the online poll rates leadership on energy issues; measures consumers’ energy priorities; and tracks knowledge, influences and specific energy consumption behaviors. The design reflects a collaborative effort by academics and polling experts, non-governmental organizations, large energy users and energy producers.
Empirical Research
The EMIC encourages and supports objective empirical research in the broad areas of technology commercialization, risk assessment, innovation and energy management. The Center is currently affiliated with approximately 20 faculty researchers engaged in or planning research on energy issues such as risk analysis, consumer behavior and regulation, with planned expansion into other diverse areas. Our goal is to triple the output of energy-related research published in major academic journals.
Executives in Residence
EMIC has appointed Rob L. Jones as Executive in Residence to serve as a student and faculty mentor for the 2012-2013 academic year. Mr. Jones was formerly the Co-Head of Bank of America Merrill Lynch Global Commodities (“MLC”), a leading global commodities trading business. An investment banker for over 20 years, with Merrill Lynch and First Boston, Mr. Jones has worked extensively with a variety of energy and power clients, with a particular focus on the natural gas and utility sectors. He has been involved in over $100 billion of advisory and financing transactions in the energy and power industry. Mr. Jones is a graduate of the University of Texas where he received a BBA with a degree in Finance and an M.B.A. with high honors and was a Sord Scholar.
Future Initiatives
Interdisciplinary Training
EMIC is in the process of developing joint degrees and certificate programs with other colleges.
Energy Fellows
To recruit more top students interested in careers in the energy industry, EMIC will develop an elite Energy Fellows program, awarding incoming MBA students scholarships and the opportunity for industry mentorship.