Modules

Environment Modeling

Area of Expertise

Environmental Science

Career

Currently Professor of Environmental Science at Washington State University he teaches system dynamics modeling with an emphasis on environmental problems in the western United States. On sabbaticals at the London Business School and the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he focused on the application of system dynamics to business and public policy. Dr. Ford concentrates his research on planning and environmental problems in the energy industry, particularly on the impact of carbon policies. His work during the "California electricity crises" explained the problems regarding boom and bust in power plant construction that would follow the deregulation of the power system. His work during the 1980s-90s helped the Pacific Northwest develop one of the nation's most successful efficiency programs. In 1996, his conservation modeling work was awarded the Jay W. Forrester Award for outstanding contribution to the field of system dynamics.