Skip to Content
U.S. Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

    Commissioning the Army of Energy Professionals: Highlights from the 2004 IAC Student Meeting

    February 26, 2004

    ITP's Industrial Assessment Centers (IAC) held its 2004 Student Meeting February 19-20, in Washington, DC. The 33 engineering students, representing university-based IACs from across the United States, attended the 2-day meeting to discuss energy policy, make presentations, and take part in career-related panel discussions.

    Photo of IAC students

    2004 Lead IAC Students pose for a picture near the Forrestal Building, home to DOE's Industrial Technologies Program.

    Through the IACs, engineers-in-the-making prepare for professional careers in the energy field. This unique effort also benefits small and medium-sized manufacturers who may be eligible for comprehensive industrial assessments, performed at no cost by teams of faculty and students. Recommendations from these industrial assessments average about $55,000 in potential annual savings for each manufacturer.

    The Student Meeting is an annual event that augments field assessment training and allows students to explore career and energy issues. On Day 1 of this year's event, students met with DOE managers and policy makers to discuss energy policy and to learn how the IACs receive funding by Congress. Keynote speaker Buddy Garland, Program Manager for the Industrial Technologies Program, delivered a speech about "the power of one," encouraging the students to make the most of their IAC experience as they become "an army of energy professionals."

    On Day 2, students held presentations and career discussions. Students Ellie Najafi and Brendan O'Connor delivered presentations on the "Business Case for Implementation," and "Wind Turbines and Other Renewables for Industry." Industry professionals David Ashcraft, representing Forest Products; Mike Skillingberg, representing Aluminum; and Richard Brent, representing Combined Heat and Power, joined the students for a panel discussion on career opportunities for IAC graduates.

    The meeting wrapped up with a field trip to the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Bureau engineers Joe Corbo and Somchai Paarporn, and their Program Manager Henry Toney, explained the implementation strategy for energy efficiency measures identified in a 2001 IAC assessment.

    Visit the IAC Web site to learn more about the opportunities for small and medium-size manufacturers, and to find participating universities in your region. Also go to the IAC Student Web site for more information about this program and the 2004 Student Meeting.