
Erik Funkhouser
Director of Research Coordination and Partnerships
Erik Funkhouser is Director of Research Coordination and Partnerships for the Energy Institute. In his role, Erik drives value to the UT campus through EI’s research programming, interaction with external funders and partners, and initiatives to improve UT’s energy research position.
Erik joined EI from the Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO), where he was the program manager for the Texas Clean Energy Incubator (CEI) and LoanSTAR Revolving Loan retrofit programs. Prior to SECO, he served as a program officer for market characterization and evaluation at the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), where he focused on program strategy and performance.
Previously, Erik was a project manager with the Energy Systems Transformation research group at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, leading multi-pronged energy policy and innovation studies. Erik was a Senior Consultant with Research Into Action (now Opinion Dynamics), focusing on emerging technology and RD&D research and program evaluation. Erik has published numerous research studies and market reports spanning energy technology and policy subject areas, and holds a Master of Public Affairs degree from the LBJ School of Public Affairs.