Michael’s first degree at Reading University (1998-2001) was a multi-disciplined course covering Psychology, Cybernetics (Electronic Engineering) and Computer Science. His subsequent work experience has included TEFL teaching overseas, financial advice, recruitment for the IT and construction industries, marketing and more recently property development.
In keeping with his wide academic and professional interests Michael has been studying as a part time distance learner on the Masters Degree programme in Climate Change and Sustainable Development at the IESD. This has provided him with a fresh appreciation of the complex social, political and environmental issues affecting modern life.
Michael joined the IESD as a research student in October, 2009. His research involves evaluating the social and environmental performance of four Leicester City Schools that have been rebuilt or refurbished under the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme. The research will evaluate two key issues.
1. Understanding the social impact by analysing how the new buildings have improved the lives of the students and staff. Interviews, workshops and questionnaire surveys will be conducted to collect date.
2. Measuring the energy consumption and environmental performance of the buildings, to track the government's carbon neutral targets for all new BSF schools by 2016.
The expected result of this research may contribute to recommendations for the design, commissioning and operation of the 16 new schools to be built in Leicester in the near future. |
Michael Roberts