For many communities the concerns around Fracking seem overwhelming. In her talk Jenifer will aim to demystify hydraulic Fracturing and discuss the environmental and economic concerns associated, are these valid concerns or media and NGO propaganda? She will explore the wider agenda around energy security and supply and the carbon footprint associated with different energy technologies. The talk will cover areas of mechanical engineering, environmental impact, pollution monitoring, safety and community impacts both positive and negative. Different future scenarios will be provided giving the audience the opportunity to decide for themselves, which they would prefer.

Dr Jenifer Baxter joined The Institution of Mechanical Engineers as Head of Energy and the Environment in May 2015. Jenifer is responsible for providing expert guidance and support on all mechanical engineering aspects of energy and the environment, with particular themes this year on heat, water and hydraulic fracturing for shale gas. Prior to joining IMechE, Jenifer was Head of Enterprise and Innovation at the University of East London, responsible for developing collaborative relationships with businesses, academics and the wider UEL community, delivering social and technological innovation and embedding enterprise into student life at the University. Jenifer has been a Research Project Manager and Lecturer of research methods in the Engineering Department at the University of South Wales specialising in advanced engineering and materials; and before undertaking her PhD in 2009 Jenifer spent six years working for the Welsh Government as a Waste Strategy Advisor.

Jenifer has a PhD from Cardiff University in technological innovation systems examining hydrogen from waste technologies, an MSc in Sustainability, Planning and Environmental Policy and a BEng in Environmental Engineering also from Cardiff University