Biography

I started my PhD, part-time, in 2010, whilst continuing to work part-time for a large software company.

My undergraduate degree was in Psychology (2000) and, having developed an interest in how people work with technology, I went on to do a Masters in human-computer interaction (2001). Ready for a change from university, I then worked for nine years in software development, first as a Technical Author and then in my current role as a User Experience (UX) Specialist.

My colleagues and I started experimenting with energy monitoring and home automation technologies and I became interested in how people use energy and the effect of technology on their behaviour. I decided I would like to study Psychology formally again so I reduced my work hours and started a part-time PhD in environmental psychology.

Research Interests

I'm interested in the role of technology in energy use and environmental behaviours.

Publications

Davies, S., Cowen, L., Giddings, C., Parker, H. (2005). WebSphere Message Broker Basics. IBM International Technical Support Organization (ITSO). http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/redbooks/pdfs/sg247137.pdf

Davies, S., Giddings, C., Lyndon, K., Cowen, L. (2004).  IBM International Technical Support Organization (ITSO). http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/redbooks/pdfs/sg247090.pdf

Cowen, L.J., Ball, L.J., Delin, J. (2002). An eye movement analysis of Web page usability. In X. Faulkner, J. Finlay, and F. Detienne (Eds). People and Computers XVI – Memorable Yet Invisible, pp317-335.London, UK: Springer-Verlag London Ltd.http://www.lauracowen.co.uk/download/HCI2002%20paper-finaldraft-reform.pdf

Presentations

Cowen, L. and Gatersleben, B. (2011). Technology as a remedy for high energy use: Investigating the rebound effect. IAREP/SABE/ICABEEP conference, Exeter.