The Team

Dr Frank O’Connor: Director

Frank was brought up in rural Ireland where his passion for environmental issues and their relationship with design began in 1988 with his first project on end-of-life recovery issues. Since then, he has worked in, or as a specialist advisor to, multinationals, SMEs, government organisations, higher education and NGOs in ecodesign, life cycle thinking and related issues. Frank set-up the Ecodesign Centre (EDC) in 2006. 

Frank holds a Bachelors Degree in Technology with Education, Masters in Advanced Manufacturing, Postgraduate in Management and a PhD in Ecodesign. His roles have included Chair of the Welsh Assembly Government EEE focus group, Expert Witness to House of Lords Select Committee, Technical Advisor to Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), Chair of Sustainable Wales, MSc. Programme Advisor to Cranfield University, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Referee, IDI Design Awards Judge and Advisor to DME Awards.

Frank has published extensively and has been delivering lectures, workshops and talks in the UK and overseas on a wide range of issues since the mid-90s. He believes passionately that ecodesign is good design and good business practice. 

Simon O’Rafferty: Researcher, Education Liaison Officer

Simon trained as an industrial designer in Ireland, primarily working in branding and new media design. In 2005, he obtained an MSc in Sustainable Development and is currently a PhD candidate. The PhD will assess how regional governments can support ecodesign and sustainable innovation in SMEs. His current research interests include sustainable consumption and production, innovation systems and government intervention. Simon has also held positions in various NGOs including ECO-UNESCO, Irish Fair Trade Network, and Sustainable Wales volunteering with an organisation that works with street children in Russia.

Bibiana Estrada Bonilla: Project Officer

Bibiana was born and raised in Colombia, South America, and is a fluent English and Spanish speaker. She holds a bachelors degree in Industrial Engineering. Her dissertation work as well as her internship focused on analysing and developing procedures, manuals and marketing strategies for small service companies in Colombia. Prior to joining EDC, Bibiana worked in a senior sales post at Next Retail Ltd gaining valuable experience in the sales and marketing fields.

Hannah Curtis: Research Officer

Hannah has worked in the UK, New Zealand and Australia, as well as undertaking voluntary work overseas. Her interest in ecodesign stems from her postgraduate studies. Since completing her MSc in Environmentally Conscious Design and Manufacture she has been involved with R&D, SME business support, consultancy, project management and community consultation. Although diverse, all of her roles have focused upon working within multidisciplinary teams in order to find sustainable solutions.