Destenie Nock
Assistant Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Engineering and Public Policy
Destenie Nock received her Ph.D. in 2019 from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. There, she performed energy systems modeling in both New England and Sub-Saharan Africa, using multi-criteria decision analysis and applied optimization to better equip policy makers to understand energy planning options. Nock’s broad research interests are focused around using mathematical modeling tools to address societal problems related to sustainability planning, energy policy, and engineering for social good. She has a breadth of professional experience, having worked in industry, national labs, and government settings on issues related to energy systems and equity.
Connecting Electricity System Changes to Local Air Pollution Impacts
How Grocery Delivery Services Affect Pollution and Traffic
Air Conditioning and Summertime Energy Poverty
Climate Change Impacts on Household Energy Usage in Arizona
Economic Gaps in Heating and Cooling Habits
Modeling Consumer Preferences
Faculty Insights
Environmental Value of Efficient Power Distribution Systems
Planning an Equitable Energy Future: A Focus on Vulnerable Groups
Equitable Energy Planning in SubSaharan Africa
Energy Solutions for Equity and Resiliency with Destenie Nock and Arnav Gautam
Identifying Hidden Forms of Energy Poverty
Education
2019 Ph.D., University of Massachusetts Amherst
Research Interests
- energy
- energy modeling
- energy systems
- engineering and public policy
- EVs and mobility
- grid and energy infrastructure
- grid-interactive, high-performance, and electrified buildings
- Intelligent engineered systems and society
- public policy and regulation
- sustainability
- Sustainable energy and transportation systems
Media mentions
WESA
Nock quoted on data centers’ impact on the power grid
CEE/EPP’s Destenie Nock was quoted by WESA about how the potential influx of data centers in Pennsylvania could lead to higher electricity costs for users.
CMU Engineering
Riding out extreme heat
People may be more likely to turn to ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft for transportation during extremely hot weather, shows research from Carnegie Mellon engineering faculty.
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Nock receives alumni award
CEE/EPP’s Destenie Nock received an Outstanding Alumni Award from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, her alma mater, in recognition of her career in academia and as a startup founder.
Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation
The Infrastructure Effect: Home electrification helps vulnerable groups
This post is part of a series exploring the impacts of federal investments in home electrification, transportation, supply chains, and climate resilience.
Phys.org
Muller and Dennin quoted on fire smoke health risks
EPP’s Nicholas Muller and EPP Ph.D. student Luke Dennin were quoted in Phys.org on health risks associated with fire smoke.
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Nock highlights energy assistance program
CEE/EPP’s Destenie Nock published a story in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review about Peoples Energy Analytics, an organization that helps connect people with assistance programs to cover home energy costs.
CMU Engineering
Mind the gap: Testing the EV charging network
Researchers develop a metric to measure the gaps in EV charging coverage across the country, revealing the significant work that lies ahead in deploying charging infrastructure.
Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation
Scott Institute Receives IN2 2022 Channel Partner Strategic Award
The Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator has selected the Scott Institute for a 2022 Strategic Channel Partner Award.
WESA
Nock quoted on utility assistance pilot program
CEE/EPP’s Destenie Nock spoke to WESA about a pilot program that uses data algorithms to identify households eligible for utility assistance programs.
Union of Concerned Scientists
Nock named a 2024 Science Defender
CEE/EPP’s Destenie Nock was named a 2024 Science Defender by the Union of Concerned Scientists. The title is bestowed annually on “individuals and groups who use science to improve the world and help people, including those who have taken a stand to protect science and scientists from political or other interference.” Nock was selected for her ongoing work in affordable energy and energy justice as both a researcher and a startup founder.
Engineering and Public Policy
Nock named 2024 Science Defender
Dr. Destenie Nock, assistant professor of Engineering and Public Policy and Civil and Environmental Engineering, has been named a 2024 Science Defender by the Union of Concerned Scientists.
CMU Engineering
Engineering entrepreneurs find their way
When faculty and students in the College of Engineering create intellectual property, our culture supports their efforts to form startups.