Bio
Hillary K. Fishler-Howard is a mixed-methodologies researcher in coupled human systems, with a focus on socioeconomic aspects of US energy infrastructure and technology, cyber risk assessment and data security, rural and Tribal governance, and land-use ecology and management for grid resilience and reliability.
Professional Experience
- R&D Associate Staff, Critical Infrastructure Resilience, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (Present)
- Senior Business Consultant, Laboratory Director's Office, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (3/2023 - 9/2024)
- Program Manager, Education & User Facilities Programs, Idaho National Laboratory (2020-2023)
- Faculty, Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering, Boise State University (2020-24)
- Research Fellow, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Utah State University (2018-19)
- Researcher, Joint Fire Sciences Program, USDA Forest Service: PNW, Northern Res. Stations (2013-2017)
Education
- PhD (2017): Env. Science & Policy: Wildland Fire Ecology, Social Science, Oregon State University
- MPP (2012): Master of Public Policy, Environmental Economics, Oregon State University
- BA (2009): Science & Technical Writing, Grand Valley State University
Professional Affiliations
- Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management
- American Academy of Environmental Engineers & Scientists
- International Association for Society & Natural Resources
Other Publications
Iyer, G., Fishler, H. K., and Chinthavali, S. 2025. "Data Centers as Positive Disruptions to the Electric Grid." ORNL White Paper. Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Iyer, G., Chinthavali, S., and Fishler, H.K. 2025. "Modeling Energy Growth Associated with Data Centers - a holistic platform for accelerated, informed, & energy-resilient data center deployment." ORNL White Paper. Oak Ridge National Laboratory.