Dr. Karen Ehrhardt-Martinez is internationally recognized for her work on the human dimensions of energy efficiency, conservation, and environmental sustainability. She brings more than 25 years of experience working as a consultant, program manager and researcher, including work with utilities, policymakers, planners, real estate professionals, governmental bodies, and nonprofit organizations. Her work has focused on the application of social and behavioral science and innovative strategies to improve the design, implementation, and performance of efforts to change energy use practices, reduce energy consumption and eliminate energy waste in homes and commercial buildings in the U.S. and abroad. Some of Karen’s recent work has included studies on equity, electric vehicle adoption and charging patterns, as well as understanding the human dimensions of modern rate structures. Karen is a cofounder of the internationally recognized Behavior, Energy and Climate Change (BECC) Conference, serving as the 2009 BECC Conference Chair, and has provided expert testimony before the U.S. House Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Energy and Environment. Prior to her current position at SCI, Karen served as a social science expert and customer research specialist at ICF and Guidehouse/Navigant. She also directed the Climate, Mind, and Behavior Program at the Garrison Institute, and established the social and behavioral research program at ACEEE. Karen is a co-author of two chapters in “Climate Change and Society” (Oxford University Press) and a member of the editorial board for the journal Energy Efficiency. She received her Ph.D. in Sociology from The Ohio State University, with a focus on environmental sociology and social change.