Ella Rebalski, a new PhD in the programme
Ella Rebalski successfully defended her PhD thesis and was awarded her doctorate at Chalmers University of Technology in early October.
Around 40 persons followed her defence of the thesis Almost there: Examining the travel demand, emissions, and effects associated with a socio-technical transition to automated vehicles in Sweden.
The defence started with a bit of a joke from the opponent, Miloš N Mladenović from Aalto University.
“He started by saying that he had 60 questions prepared, but I had answered some of the initial presentation of my thesis, so he cut it down to 40. I then responded by joking that I had prepared for 42, and he said, ‘Ah, well, that’s the meaning of life!’” says Ella Rebalski.
“A funny joke from his side! It is a reference to the book “The hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy.” ”
Questions about methods
Many of the audience members' questions were about the methods used, especially a causal chain framework known as the “Drivers, Pressures, State, Impacts and Responses” (DPSIR).
“We used it quite extensively to map out the forces that could affect how self-driving vehicles are deployed, what societal effects they could have, and what policy responses might be effective to reap the benefits and avoid the negative effects of self-driving vehicle technology”, says Ella Rebalski.
Other questions focused on interview data, how it should be interpreted, and the importance of respecting interviewees' privacy, for example, in GDPR.
Hikes in the High Coast of Sweden
Ella Rebalski has a background in Political Science and Environmental Studies. She became interested in researching automated vehicles because she was excited about the opportunity to—even if only in a small way—steer the introduction of a new technology.
Ella Rebalski is the third PhD student in Mistra Carbon Exit, out of five in total, to defend her thesis and become a doctor. Now, she is looking forward to some rest, visits with friends, and, hopefully, nice long hikes in the High Coast area of Sweden. Professionally she is on the lookout for positions as a Senior Researcher, Project Manager, or something similar.
Thanks to the programme
“I hope to find a workplace with colleagues I enjoy spending time with, just as I have had at Chalmers and Mistra Carbon Exit”, she says.
“I thoroughly enjoyed every opportunity to interact with other PhD students as a student, researcher, and outside of the office. Doing a PhD can be quite a lonely endeavour, and it was important for me to spend time with others going through the same experience. At Mistra Carbon Exit, we had PhD workshops organized by Johan Rootzén that were inspirational and fun. Thanks to Mistra Carbon Exit for this opportunity! It’s been a wild ride”, says Ella Rebalski.