Meet Joey Dabell!

Joey Dabell, has over 30 years of experience in applied research, development, and demonstration projects in the areas of renewable energy and electric vehicles. Her background includes degrees in computer science, artificial intelligence from BCIT, and a Master of Educational Technologies from UBC. Joey’s research activities are at the intersection of technology, with people and the environment towards accessible, responsible, sustainable and inclusive energy solutions. Her current activities are investigating accessible EV Charging through a Universal Design lens; developing a responsible, sustainable and circular value chain for electric vehicle batteries; and combining use of renewables with energy storage systems.

Can you tell us a bit about your role within SMART and how long you've been a part of the team?

I joined BCIT in 1995. I started as a programmer doing software development projects Expert Systems Technology projects. Our department has been on an evolutional journey of growth and development. Our focus has become renewables energy related applied research. Over the years my role has gravitated towards technology and society. I have also taken on a project management role for several SMART initiatives, including the Energy OASIS microgrid and EV infrastructure projects.

What inspired you to do this type of work?

I enjoy learning. I have a lot of curiosity about how things work and can be improved upon so really enjoy research. I am also concerned about how we grow as a society. Technology isn’t the answer to the world’s crises. I am inspired by many of the faculty and researchers I have worked. And by the amazing students I have had the privilege of working with. They are a constant reminder of why we do the research work we do.

Can you share a particularly memorable project or achievement you've been a part of while with SMART?

While we are an institute of technology, technology needs to work for people. Several years ago, I led a project to raise awareness about energy consumption in BCIT’s residence buildings. We installed some electricity meters in the residences, developed an online dashboard that showed the energy use by each residence house, and taught student’s

ways to reduce their energy consumption. Then, working with the residence management we designed a competition between residence houses to see who could reduce their energy use most. It was a great experience working with researchers, management, energy managers to help students learn about energy consumption and use technology to make lifestyle changes that help the environment.

What advice would you give to students interested in pursuing a career in renewable energy technologies?

In this field, as well as most others, one of the most important things to remember is that everything we create has a non-zero footprint and everything we create has consequences. It isn’t enough to just build something that meets a need. It is critical to consider what the impact will be on the people who use the technology, the environment where the technology will be used. To do that well is important to develop experience working in multi-discipline teams.

What’s your favourite part about working at SMART?

The opportunity to make a difference with the kinds of projects we take on. Smart design and use of renewable energy related technologies and strategies has the potential to make a positive impact for the World’s climate crisis.

About SMART

The Smart Microgrid Applied Research Team (SMART) converges expertise in the information technology, communications engineering, and energy management fields to develop prototypes and solutions for complex applied research problems. SMART has a reputation for unique experience in three strategic research themes: smart microgrid and energy management systems, electric vehicle infrastructure, and critical infrastructure cybersecurity.