In college, I majored in Mechanical Engineering as an undergraduate student and supported research projects in solar energy and HVAC. When it came time for graduate studies, my project advisor, Professor Stoecker (ASHRAE fellow and Hall of Fame) offered me a graduate research assistantship in the area of microprocessor-based controls for HVAC systems. I designed and built one of the first digital controllers from scratch in 1982 and tested it on a laboratory scale air handling unit. Some of the experimental test data were also published in the ASHRAE Fundamentals handbook.
At graduation, I joined the Research Department of Johnson Controls and continued to work on advanced control strategies, building energy simulation, and advanced microsensors. I also remained active in ASHRAE, including chairing TC1.4 and co-developing and presenting the first ASHRAE Professional Development Seminar on Digital Controls.
After a decade in research, I decided to work in the commercial side of Johnson Controls, attaining leadership roles in global product development, innovation, marketing, and strategy. Finally, I became the Vice President of Global Energy and Sustainability, a first-of-its-kind position that I held along with regulatory affairs until the end of my four-decade career.
Although I never worked as a HVAC design engineer, I was able to leverage the fundamental knowledge and practices of building science and HVAC engineering throughout my career while pursuing my passion for technology innovation and sustainability. I also remain active in ASHRAE, serving on the building decarbonization position document committee, task force and center of excellence.