Team Members
TEAM MEMBERS
EnvEcon have a close-knit and highly experienced research group that interact across the full spectrum of our work. The team offer expertise and experience from fields such as economics, engineering, political science, behavioural science, environmental science and data science. This blend of skills within a well integrated team allows us to deliver balanced inter-disciplinary responses to real world challenges. At EnvEcon we develop broader expertise in our team to foster more productive collaborations and more balanced deliverables. Primary roles are noted for the team below.

NIMISHA SETIA
RESEARCH ASSISTANT – ECONOMICS
Nimisha Setia holds an MSc in Economics and Data Analytics from University College Dublin. She brings strong technical skills in SQL, R, Bayesian analysis, Excel, and Power BI, with a focus on applying data science methods to economic policy and environmental decision-making. At EnvEcon, Nimisha supports research and analysis across sectors including aviation, road transport, the built environment, energy, waste, and agriculture. She also contributes to projects on regulation and reporting, particularly within the ESG and CSRD frameworks. Nimisha is passionate about combining analytical rigour with policy relevance to support sustainable, evidence-based outcomes.

DHARAMVEER SINGH KHERA
RESEARCH ASSISTANT – DATA SCIENCE
Dharamveer holds an MSc in Computer Science from University College Dublin and a BTech in Computer Science from Medi-Caps University, India. He brings extensive experience in web development and analytics tools from his role as Software Engineer at InfoBeans Technologies, where he developed modular React components for analytics dashboards and implemented automated deployment pipelines. Dharamveer is proficient in full-stack development, data visualization using D3.js and React, and has expertise in machine learning, AI model implementation, and working with large language models for data processing applications. His technical skills span cloud computing, distributed systems, and automated testing frameworks. At EnvEcon, Dharamveer will contribute to developing structured analytical tools and enhancing the technical infrastructure supporting environmental and economic decision-making processes.

CARSON RAYHILL
RESEARCH ASSISTANT – ECONOMICS
Carson is currently completing an MSc in Applied Economics from University College Dublin. He holds an MA in German and European Studies from Georgetown University and a BS in Finance from Xavier University. His academic background focuses on macroeconomic development—particularly in the context of migration and labour market dynamics, and their impacts on employment, productivity, land use, and human capital accumulation. His technical skills include econometric analysis using STATA, R, and Python. Carson also has experience as a junior data science and research consultant at the World Bank’s Social Protections and Labour Global Practice for Europe and Central Asia. Here, he worked on social protection datasets while contributing to policy research working papers, and the regional migration report. At EnvEcon, his work supports research across various sectors including aviation, road transport, built environment, energy, waste and agriculture.

Dr. Luke Kelleher
Senior Manager – Spatial Analytics
Luke is a GIS analyst with over 15 years experience of working in the field. He obtained his PhD in Environmental Planning from the School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering (SPACE) at Queens University Belfast in 2015. His research programme involved extensive use of GIS, SPSS, Stated Preference Surveys and Discrete Choice Modelling. He also has an MSc in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from the University of Ulster. He has previous experience working as a Researcher in the University of Hertfordshire, Queens University Belfast and University of Ulster. Luke has also worked as a GIS Analyst with a wide range of public bodies and companies including the UK Department for Transport, Northern Ireland Water, Hertfordshire County Council and RPS Group.

Ciarán Deegan
Senior Economist – Built Environment Lead
Ciarán holds an MSc in Behavioural Economics, and a BA (Hons) in Economics, both from University College Dublin. As well as being a qualified BER assessor, he is an experienced environmental economist with expertise in data-driven policy analysis, econometrics, and the application of behavioural economics in climate and energy policy. At EnvEcon, his work has focused extensively on the built environment, energy efficiency, and sustainable housing policy. Ciarán has led analyses of the SEAI’s BER dataset to assess the suitability of homes for upgrade and has conducted econometric research on the relationship between energy efficiency ratings and property values. His work also extends to Just Transition planning, ESG compliance, and emissions reduction strategies across multiple sectors, contributing to key policy assessments in these areas.

Yulu Guo
Transport Modelling & Policy
Yulu is rigorously trained with strong quantitative analytical abilities firmly grounded in economic theory. She holds a Master’s degree in Economics from University College Dublin, and also a BA in Financial Management from Zhejiang Normal University in China. Yulu is a dedicated researcher with comprehensive knowledge of many different areas, such as econometrics, environmental policy and economics. She has abundant skills in data analysis and is also proficient in data programming. Her research interests include market-based instruments such as the emission trading scheme, and the modelling of policy using different approaches.

Amy Collins
MANAGER – PROJECTS LEAD
Amy holds an MSc in Environmental Policy from University College Dublin and a BA (Hons) in Social Sciences and Cultural Innovation from Dublin City University. She has extensive experience in the coordination and management of research and consultancy projects at EnvEcon and has led a number of stakeholder engagement initiatives. In addition to her consultation and policy analysis skills, Amy is proficient in Geographic Information Systems, design, and data management. Throughout her time at EnvEcon, Amy has been involved in a wide range of projects, particularly those related to Just Transition, the Sustainable Development Goals, and air pollutant emissions reporting.

Michael Samaras
MANAGER – AGRICULTURE & LAND USE LEAD
Michael holds an MSc in Applied Economics from University College Dublin (UCD) and a BA (Hons) in Economics, specialising in Economic Theory and Policy, from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He is an experienced policy advisor and economic researcher, with expertise in quantitative economics, economic theory, and data analysis using R. His work focuses on climate-resilient agricultural systems, land suitability analysis for afforestation, and environmental impact assessments, applying rigorous economic and policy methodologies. Michael is currently pursuing a PhD in Environmental Policy at UCD, where his research integrates transaction cost economics with climate policy in agriculture and land use. At EnvEcon, he has contributed to several key research projects, including the Analysis on the Reform of Fossil Fuel Subsidies and Land Use Review Phase 2.

Dr. Leonhard Lades
Behavioural Economics
Leonhard is a behavioural scientist with broad expertise in the areas of economic psychology and behavioural economics. His research focuses on time preferences, temptation and self-control in everyday life, and soft paternalism. A major element of his current work is the application of day reconstruction diaries to measure decision making biases in everyday life with a view to understanding and informing choices and policy design.
Leonhard obtained his MSc in Economics from the University of Bonn and completed his PhD from the Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena at the Max Planck Institute of Economics and the Graduate School Human Behaviour in Social and Economic Change in Jena, Germany. He completed postdocs at the Max Planck Institute in Jena and at the Behavioural Science Centre in Stirling. Prior to joining EnvEcon he was a tenured lecturer in economics at the University of Stirling. He has published in academic journals such as Economics Letters, the Journal of Behavioral Decision Making, the Journal of Economic Psychology, the Journal of Evolutionary Economics, and Kyklos. Leonhard is also an Adjunct Research Fellow at UCD, and a member of the Centre for Behavioural Sciences at UCD Geary.

Dr. Eoin Ó Broin
Climate & Air
Dr Ó Broin holds an M.Sc. in Industrial Ecology from Chalmers and a B.Eng. in Electronic Engineering from the University of Limerick. He has undertaken internships at the UN ECE Committee on Housing and Land Management and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development in Geneva, and been a member of the board of management of Gothenburg City Water Utility (Göteborg kretslopp och vatten).

Antonio Soler
Manager – Business Development
Antonio is a STEM MBA graduate of the Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School and holds an MA in Politics and International Relations from University College Dublin, a BA in International Business, as well as a Graduate Diploma in Public Policy from the Superior School of Public Administration ESAP. With a diverse background in both public and private sectors, he has extensive experience in sustainability strategy, innovation, business development, and international relations. Antonio has contributed to leading organizations such as Teleperformance, Nestlé, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and ICON Plc. As a seasoned sustainability consultant, he co-leads the sustainability consulting services at EnvEcon, where he is responsible for developing the portfolio and product development for the consulting unit. This includes overseeing the collection, interpretation, analysis, and reporting of sustainability-related data, GHG emissions, Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive compliance, and other ESG metrics and initiatives. Antonio’s expertise spans sustainable business practices, corporate strategy, business development, innovation, marketing, international business, public policy, economics, digital transformation, and stakeholder engagement. He is committed to advancing sustainability initiatives that align business goals with ESG principles, guiding organisations through the complexities of sustainable growth in today’s global landscape.

Angela Milimu
Manager – Transport Lead
Angela holds an MSc in Applied Economics from University College Dublin and a BBSc in Financial Economics from Strathmore University, Kenya. Her technical expertise includes econometric modelling using R, Stata, and Excel, conducting comprehensive literature reviews, drafting research for various audiences, and managing large datasets for analysis. At EnvEcon, she has contributed to a wide range of projects, particularly in transport policy and environmental assessment. During her academic career, Angela was active in environmental campaigns and previously received recognition from the United Nations Environmental Division for her work.

Meghana K R
Manager – Systems Lead
Meghana holds an MSc in Computer Science (Negotiated Learning) from University College Dublin and a BE in Computer Science from Bangalore Institute of Technology. With a strong background in software development and automation, she has extensive experience with React, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Node.js, and SQL for interface development, and Python for automation scripting. Initially joining as a Data Scientist focused on methodology automation, Meghana now works as a Full-Stack Developer, designing interactive web interfaces that enable users to visualise and analyse various scenarios through intuitive visualisations and automated insights. Her work aims to create innovative, data-driven systems that enhance decision-making and efficiency.

Charlie Cregan
MANAGER – CSRD / ESG LEAD
Charlie holds an MSc in Economics, and a Bachelor of Business and Law, both from University College Dublin. He is currently in the process of completing his PhD in Environmental Economics and Policy at UCD, focused on corporate sustainability evaluations, particularly relating to climate-related risks and impacts. His PhD thesis evaluates the accuracy of corporate climate ratings in the aviation, financial, and steel sectors. Charlie has extensive experience in cross-cutting corporate sustainability regulation, reporting and rating frameworks, and strategies across all sectors and has published sector-specific research on firm-level climate and sustainability evaluations in the aviation, finance, and steel sectors. His technical skill sets include econometric analysis using Stara and R, and corporate GHG inventory calculation and estimates.

Likitha Murthy
Associate – Data Science
Likitha Murthy holds an MSc in Computer Science from University College Dublin and a BTech in Information Science from Don Bosco Institute of Technology. She specialises in spatial analysis, data science, and system development, applying advanced analytical techniques to projects in the environmental, agricultural, energy, and infrastructure domains. Her expertise includes data analysis and geospatial modelling, and she is proficient in Python, R, MySQL, ArcGIS, React, and Flask. Likitha uses these tools to build data-driven solutions that support evidence-based policy and decision-making.

Vishwajeet Pundkar
ASSOCIATE – ECONOMICS
Vishwajeet holds an MSc in Applied Economics from University College Dublin and a BSc in Economics (Hons with Distinction) from MIT World Peace University, India. His expertise includes macroeconomic evaluation, time series modelling, environmental economics, and policy evaluation. Prior to joining EnvEcon, Vish worked at an economic consultancy startup in India, where he extensively analysed data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey and Time Use Survey, incorporating spatial analysis techniques. He has presented his work at various conferences, including the 23rd BRICS Summit in India. Vish recently co-authored a book chapter exploring the Blue Economy and the application of artificial intelligence in preserving marine ecosystems.

Yanika Farrugia
Associate – Environmental Policy

DR. MD SALAUDDIN
Associate – Coastal Science
Dr. Salauddin is a Coastal Scientist with over a decade of experience in coastal and offshore engineering. He earned his PhD in Coastal Engineering from the School of Engineering at the University of Warwick in 2020. He also holds an MSc in Hydraulic Engineering from the IHE Delft Institute of Water Education and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology. Dr. Salauddin has worked as a researcher at both the University of Warwick and University College Dublin. With a strong background in coastal and offshore science, combined with expertise in physical and numerical modeling, he is particularly interested in exploring complex wave-structure interactions at coastal and offshore structures under a changing climate. His research focuses on restoring marine biodiversity through nature-based solutions.
ASSOCIATES & ALUMNI
EnvEcon also maintain collaborative connections with a number of former team members and colleagues, as well as engaging in direct co-supervision of masters and doctoral students in areas of relevance. These activities allow us to support new capacity development and the subsequent retention of expertise in our work. The following are some of those associates and alumni.

Breanna Larsen
Policy Research
Breanna holds an MSc in Environmental Policy and a BA with a major in International Relations. Through her academic career she has developed specialist experience in the areas of economics, statistics and political science. Over the course of her professional career with EnvEcon Breanna has developed a broad set of project management skills, alongside specialist expertise in areas such as stakeholder engagement, mediation, public participation and systematic evaluations. Breanna is also extremely proficient in the areas of data, research and model management, with a necessarily meticulous and professional approach in regards to clearly organising and structuring her work. Breanna has a particular interest in cross-sectoral policy research and design, and has extensive experience across a wide range of contemporary environmental issues.

Cillian O’ Donoghue
Supervised PhD – Buildings

Feidhlim O’ Shea
Supervised PhD – Waste

MARIE THERESE POWER
Energy & Buildings
Marie Therese has spent a number of years working in the NGO sector, on issues of penal policy and homelessness. Her current focus is informed by these experiences, motivating her interest in effective, evidence based policies, in particular multilateral approaches to addressing complex policy issues. Marie Therese holds a Diploma in project management and is a highly professional, efficient and detail orientated researcher.

Dr. Harutyun Shahumyan
Data Science
In 2014, Harut was awarded an EU FP7 Marie Curie International Fellowship and moved to the National Center of Smart Growth at the University of Maryland to implement his GeoSInPo project. Here his research integrated different state-of-the-art models including land use, transport, emissions and water quality models for the Washington-Baltimore Region.Harut has over 50 publications, which includes 14 peer-reviewed papers in high profile international journals and 4 book chapters. His research interests are broad in scope but centre on the areas of GIScience, geospatial technologies, Spatial Decision Support Systems, Citizen Science, Smart Cities and Big Data.

Shivani Shukla
Energy & Economics