Testimonials

NOMINATION
for
"NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR"
BIRMINGHAM UNIVERSITY AWARDS FOR TREMENDOUS ACHIEVEMENT

Gavin joined the University January 2015 as Energy Development Manager. This was soon after the creation of the Birmingham Energy Institute. In a period of 8-9 months his contribution has been unbelievable. He has established himself as the go to energy person in the University. He has not only been key in the delivery of the publicity material (website content, brochures, event organisation) but has led the organisation of the Policy Commission on Cold, the coordination of the report writing, production and writing of elements of the content. He has worked night and day and through illness to deliver a very high quality report which will place the University in the leading position in this sector from a policy perspective. The rapid acceleration from someone completely new to the University to mastery of the system, with effective exploitation marks him out as someone with an impressive career ahead.

At the outset the visibility of the Birmingham Energy Institute was minimal. Gavin's role in growing the profile to the point where BEI is a nationally recognised brand has been absolutely key. His leadership within the Birmingham policy commission process has been enormous, he has been the generator of ideas and innovation. He has handled the communications with Lord Tervson professionally, and the commission will culminate with a presentation of the report to MPs, Chief Scientific Advisors from BIS and DECC, 4 Lords and 1 Baroness together with leaders from the industrial sector. The opportunity to create UoB profile in this area is absolutely enormous at a moment when the government are poised to invest £60-£250m in the sector into which the report is to make recommendations. The timeline of the commission has been aggressive and Gavin has ensured it will be delivered and with a quality product.

BRENT MC NEELY
reviews
50 MODEL ROCKET PROJECTS FOR THE EVIL GENIUS
in
EXTREME ROCKETRY, DECEMBER 2006

DAVE WEBER
reviews
50 MODEL ROCKET PROJECTS FOR THE EVIL GENIUS
in
ROCKETS MAGAZINE, AUGUST 2007

HIGHLY COMMENDED
for
"PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT / STEM OUTREACH AWARD"
THE FARADAY INSTITUTION - COMMUNITY AWARDS 2021

We’re delighted to recognise the efforts of Dr Gavin Harper of the University of Birmingham.
Gavin has conducted outstanding public engagement work for the ReLiB project, with 70 media engagements over a two-year period, that has gone a long way to position the project as an authority on battery recycling. His work has clearly progressed public understanding of battery science. A cornerstone of this success has been Gavin’s excellence in science communication and skilled use of networking and social media. His committed effort to publicise the work of ReLiB and the Faraday Institution therefore receives a high commendation.
Congratulations Gavin.

REVIEW
of
FUEL CELL PROJECTS FOR THE EVIL GENIUS

This book served as a nice introduction to fuels cells. It explains the basic concepts and how to build your own simple fuel cells without getting overly technical. It covers a lot of the different fuel cells types. I had previously only known about PEM and methanol fuel cells and this book has interested me into doing further research on microbial fuel cells. [...]

REVIEW
of
MODEL ROCKET PROJECTS FOR THE EVIL GENIUS

I volunteer at our local school, mentoring a science and technology after school program using model rocketry as a learning tool. Being an avid hobby rocketeer for more than 40 years, I've decided to broaden my own horizons, as well.
While looking for material to serve both interests, I stumbled across "50 Model Rocket Projects for the Evil Genius," by Gavin D.J. Harper. I was familiar with some of the other similarly titled books, but oddly, none of the local bookstores carry this title, so I ordered it on Amazon.com.
Mr. Harper has taken an already exciting hobby and said, "Hey, if you think that's fun, try this!"
The name suggests this book is not written for the absolute beginner, true, but even though you do need experience to construct some of the more advanced projects, Mr. Harper has a writing style that anyone should be able to follow along with and get an idea of the skills they should be developing. By the same token, if you're an evil genius, you'll find a plethora of ideas that you probably never thought of, or that needed updating.
And as an instructor, you'll find another great resource of how you might share information and inspire your students to be competing in various arenas. Whether it's a science fair, industrial arts, or even an international category, this book definitely has ideas for some very competitive projects with enough information and detailed plans to get the project accomplished. And, where they'll shine, and what the competition should be about, is demonstrating their mastery of understanding and skills.
In short, Mr. Harper's "50 Model Rocket Projects for the Evil Genius" should inspire our children to learn, and give us old guard something new to experiment with; either way, it'll be a welcomed addition to anyone's library.

Gavin helped write a case study for RMI's Factor Ten Engineering Initiative. His modeling and research capabilities proved valuable over the three month period. He helped sort and model data, think through the technical details of our client, and communicate the outcomes in a clear manner. Gavin's communications skills, both verbal and illustrative, and his understanding for technical details are extremely strong. These dynamic skills coupled with his prompt (and voluntary) attendance to meetings would make him a valuable contributor to any company. Passion, enthusiasm, persistence are all great adjectives to describe Gavin. It is my honor to recommend him for his contributions to 10xE.

- DAVIS LINDSEY,
CONSULTANT, ROCKY MOUNTAIN INSTITUTE

Gavin and I worked together at Glyndwr University's OpTIC Centre in St Asaph. He is one of the brightest, most diligent, genuine, creative and enthusiastic people I know. I would have no hesitation in recommending him, personally and professionally.

- MARTIN WILLIAMS,
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, GLYNDWR UNIVERSITY

I have known Gavin for quite some time now since he was a student on the MSc Architecture: Advanced environment and energy studies when I lead the thesis module. Since then I have asked him on several occasions to give guest lectures or deliver workshops. We were lucky to have him recently deliver a workshop on renewable energy and RE software. Gavin is a natural educator; his patience and generosity towards those he teaches is exemplary, alongside the vast technical knowledge he has at his fingertips. I look forward to working with him again and I have no hesitation in recommending him to a future employer.

- SOFIE PELSMAKERS,
PROGRAMME LEADER, UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD

Gavin had the difficult situation of joining an integrated team mid-term in a project as maternity cover. Despite being geographically distant from the majority of the team, he took advantage of all the opportunities to meet up and was up to speed with the project very quickly! The fact that his part of the project completed all the objectives was a credit to his enthusiasm and determination. His kind nature was appreciated by team mates and project beneficiaries alike. I would have no hesitation to work with Gavin again.

- VICKI STEVENSON,
WEST PROJECT MANAGER

MIKE KOEFMAN
reviews
FUEL CELL PROJECTS FOR THE EVIL GENIUS
for
CAMPAIGN FOR A HYDROGEN ECONOMY

REFERENCE
from
ALAN CALCOTT
CARBON PLAN LTD

REFERENCE
from
DANIELA KRUG
CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY ENTREPRENEURS
UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE

REFERENCE
from
EDDIE SHEEHAN
BETODDOREVEN

REFERENCE
from
JASON HAWKES
J3 BUILDING FUTURES

REFERENCE
from
JOHN AMBROSE
WHSMITH

REFERENCE
from
JOHN KING
ENGENTIA

REVIEW
of
RUN YOUR DIESEL VEHICLE ON BIOFUELS:
A DO-IT-YOURSELF MANUAL

I was very satisfied with this book. It was the first one I have read on the subject of biodiesel, WVO, and SVO; and I feel that it has givin me a complete understanding of the subject, as well as all of the technical information needed to test, aquire and process waist vegitable oil into a fuel itself, or into biodiesel.

REVIEW
of
SOLAR ENERGY PROJECTS FOR THE EVIL GENIUS

The author of this book was 19 years old when he published it. What an amazing 19 year old! He truly is a genius! My 15 year old daughter and I really enjoyed this book. One amazing project after another. Easy to understand instructions, easy to obtain materials--the author tells you how to order what you don't have--, and projects are easy to do. I especially liked the solar ice maker! I strongly recommend this book.

REVIEW
of
SOLAR ENERGY PROJECTS FOR THE EVIL GENIUS

I purchased this Book as a gift for my father. He loves to build things, and I thought introducing him to the wave of the future in engineering through "Solar Energy Projects for the Evil Genius" would be a fun way to learn something new. I was right. He loved it. I skimmed through the book, and it has detailed instructions, pictures, and tons of really great and practical ideas and projects...combined with some slightly rebellious ones. It truly is an original book and alot of fun..Highly recommended for those that like to create and build.

REVIEW
of
SOLAR ENERGY PROJECTS FOR THE EVIL GENIUS

Anything I can use in my Tech Ed classrom is worth getting. We need to teach Technology, not just Science! This book explains the photoelectric process that takes place in solar cells andhas a lot of great projects. This is my bright idea for summer reading.

REVIEW
of
SOLAR ENERGY PROJECTS FOR THE EVIL GENIUS

I have been a solar electric and solar hot water installer for 3 years. I can design and install a system with ease and confidence, but the projects in this book increased my understanding to a whole new level. It was like learning about solar from the inside out. I always enjoy it when I can learn about something I know well from a different angle. Some of my friends bought the book for themselves after thumbing through my copy. I recommend this book for anyone who likes to have a hands on approach to solar in many different areas.

WALT PATTERSON
reviews
SOLAR ENERGY PROJECTS FOR THE EVIL GENIUS
in
MODERN POWER SYSTEMS, OCTOBER 2007