My journey started back in the 80s when I embarked from Greece to the US for my studies in Mechanical Engineering, one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, getting a BSME at Michigan Tech and a MSME and PhD at Georgia Tech. I joined ASHRAE as a master’s student in 1985, taking my first full fledge graduate HVAC course at GT, using the ASHRAE Fundamentals HB as a textbook. From there on ASHRAE has been part of my life.
As a young professional engineer upon my return to Greece, I explored several career options, eager to learn in the field what ME is all about and enjoy the strengths and flexibility of engineering education. I practiced as a design and construction engineer on MEP for residential and non-residential buildings, while teaching part-time at various universities on energy related topics and working on energy related topics in European research projects. Making the choice to stay in research, has led to a 30year career with the Group Energy Conservation in the IERSD at NOA, the first national research organization in Greece, providing the diversity and the challenges that I was looking for and made me love every day at work. Keeping a part-time engagement as an external professor on energy related post-graduate courses, and connecting with policy makers and the market offers a great opportunity to put research results to use.
One common denominator in all my different professional capacities was ASHRAE, fueling with knowledge and supporting me with excellent resources that one can depend upon as a practicing engineer, educator, researcher and more. The journey within the Society is never ending, experiencing a wealth of benefits as an active member by engaging in ASHRAE technical committees, standards and conferences, to grassroots through chapter and regional activities. Among the most enjoyable and gratifying endeavors was initiating the ASHRAE Hellenic Chapter in Greece that was chartered in 1999 as the first European chapter, growing strong ever since, and then become the first Director and Regional Chair DRC (2017-20) of the new European Region XIV in ASHRAE. Among the highlights of this journey has been the honor to serve as a Director-At-Large DAL (2007-2010) and Society Vice President (2011-13). Over the decades, my ASHRAE family has been strengthened with unique friendships, forging close personal relationships with colleagues from all over the world. Engineering and ASHRAE enabled me to pursue a satisfying and fun career, connecting me to the world and the best technical knowledge in the industry. Make the right choices for you and let ASHRAE help you break new frontiers.