Currently working with the Policy and Innovation Group within the Institute for Energy Systems, on a range of UK and European projects. Donald's research topics include techno-economic analysis and cost reduction, lifecycle assessment, technology commercialisation, and the research & innovation requirements for the ocean energy sector.

Donald completed an Engineering Doctorate, with research on testing renewable energy devices in a combined wave-current environment at the University of Edinburgh's FloWave Ocean Energy Research Facility, as part of the Industrial Doctorate Centre of Offshore Renewable Energy (IDCORE). His background is as a civil engineer/hydrologist, with over nine years experience in small hydropower schemes and renewable energy, flood risk assessment and flood management, plus coastal engineering