Dr. Carolyn Kissane currently serves as Clinical Associate Professor at the Center for Global Affairs at New York University. Complementing her academic, public service and consultant experience, Kissane is the author of numerous publications including an article on history education in Comparative Education, Freedom House: Countries at the Crossroads report on Kazakhstan, Central Asia, Great Decisions Series, and Evaluating Human Rights Education.
Mei Poon: What are your expectations or vision for New York Energy Week five years from now?
Carolyn Kissane: Bigger and better. Last year was a surprise and a great success – as New York takes on more of a brand as an energy and innovation city I can only imagine New York Energy Week becoming the conference to attend in 2017. It already is the energy conference of 2014.
MP: What are you most excited about for New York Energy Week 2014?
CK: The great panels and extraordinary array of talent that is brought together. It’s also a great opportunity to network and to meet people in energy and the environment and who care about issues of efficiency and innovation. It’s bringing smart and connected people together and who really care about the developments under discussion – it’s everything you want in a conference meant to promote collaboration and teaching.
MP: What is your favorite invention/ technology in Energy sector?
CK: Fracking – it’s changed the way we talk about energy – and the geopolitics of energy.
MP: What is one opportunity/ challenge you hope will be addressed during New York Energy Week 2014?
CK: Making energy cleaner – how to produce energy with a decrease in CO2 – I’m curious and excited about all the new technologies that mean we will be living in a more energy efficient environment and one that welcomes new and exciting entrepreneurial designs and ideas.
MP: What is your favorite New York City landmark?
CK: Bethesda Fountain – magical.
MP: What is your favorite course to teach? And why?
CK: Geopolitics of Energy – because it merges Political Science, Geography and Economics – it’s a constantly changing narrative from year to year – always a challenge and a delight to teach.
MP: Personal Fun Fact: What is something people might not know about you?
CK: I like to run and do ballet classes – and I have two little boys.
