Growing up in a family of physicians, nurses, therapists and social workers, my choice to become a mechanical engineer was an adventure from the start. Even after graduation, my path started ‘off the beaten path” with the US Peace Corps, where I taught high school physics and chemistry in the Skeleton Coast of Namibia. These years of service taught me invaluable life lessons about commitment, resourcefulness, conservation, diversity, communication, mentorship, and the joy of discovering new opportunities.
When I returned to the United States, my first engineering position focused on improving community health by updating ventilation systems and improving indoor air quality in existing buildings. At the time, energy modeling simply documented the Return on Investment (ROI) and tapped into state financial incentives for HVAC retrofits. As I connected with other energy modelers within my local ASHRAE chapter, I learned about the integrative and holistic sustainability design movement. That was over 20 years ago and I haven’t stopped advocating for projects to achieve the triple bottom line: designs which respect occupant, environmental, and fiscal needs (i.e. People, Planet, and Profits).
My first supervisor gave me a complimentary copy of the 2001 ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook with a thoughtful letter inside. It said, “ As the title suggests, [this book] contains much of the theory and background information used in HVAC design practices. I hope you refer to it often, as it is the primary technological resource for HVAC engineering….where you see new approaches identified in this handbook, I encourage you to pursue them when applicable and bring the new design practices to the attention of the engineering group….Enjoy the journey.” He couldn’t have known then that my journey within ASHRAE would lead to a 2021 Fundamentals Handbook with my name embossed at the bottom, for leading the development of its first Global Climate Change chapter.
Over the years, I’ve served as a consultant in a range of practices: small local companies, large global design firms and my own company. My titles have included drafter, designer, Engineer of Record (EOR), commissioning authority, researcher, project manager, and practice leader. Through it all, I have prioritized the health and safety of people within the built environment and environmentalism. Regardless of changes in my role or location, the ASHRAE community has been a constant. At each phase of my career, I’ve found resources and opportunity to serve within the local ASHRAE chapter or national society level. A career in HVAC engineering can take you around the world and from the bottom of district energy tunnels to the top of the tallest buildings. Lean in and find your success!