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Dr. Paul Parker, Associate Director of WISA and Professor Emeritus of the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ, represents the environmental pillar at WISA—one of three that WISA is built upon. Dr. Parker’s research interests include sustainable energy systems, operational testing of electric aircraft, solar hangars, stakeholder perceptions and barriers to the adoption of new technologies.. His research is in energy and sustainability, with a current focus on electric aviation as a solution to achieve low carbon flight.

“This is an extremely exciting and transformational time for the aviation industry, as we know the challenges of climate change,” says Parker. “Now is the perfect time to improve. We already have some solutions, but more solutions are required. We hope to bring research and industry together. WISA acts as that interface between the two.”

Parker is passionate about electric and low carbon aviation—amongst a host of other things, including sustainable economic development and smart grid technologies. He earned his Private Pilot License when he was 18 but has since transitioned to flying gliders and was a member of the 2019 Canadian team at the Pan-American Gliding Championships.

With a love for teaching, Parker points to his students as the source for inspiration that catalyzes his research, which he sees as paralleling the mandate of WISA.

“My research integrates industry and research to achieve what society wants—which, in this case—is represented by our students,” says Parker. “I start by saying my students are always right. They are the ‘directional indicator’ for the future. They’re the ones saying, ‘We want to fly, but we don’t want carbon emissions.’ That gives us the mandate to explore future options. Where is that technology going to come from?”

Parker points to the 2020 certification of the first e-plane in Europe, the Pipistrel Velis Electro, an event that took time to gradually take place.

“It didn’t happen overnight. First, an electric glider was developed—then an electric test plane, then the Pipistrel Alpha Electro. With each of these steps, we learned more about the electric plane,” says Parker. “Yes, we have a solution now. But there were gradual steps to get there. It’s great to see how the technology has improved.”

He asks, “What operational things need to be changed?”

Parker is also mindful of the need for pathways to introduce new tech into the industry.

“W�� need to think about bigger systems, not just one piece. An electric plane is great, but it needs a low carbon source of electricity as well,” says Parker, who recognizes that solar hangars and ground infrastructure need to be seen as an integrated system with the e-plane.

“Everyone can understand that the electricity generated on the roof can be used to charge the e-plane. Then, people can literally say, ‘We are flying on sunshine!’”