UMD Student Chapter Welcomes ASHRAE President Tom Watson, P.E.

The University of Maryland ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-conditioning Engineers) Student Chapter welcomed National ASHRAE President Tom Watson, P.E. to campus on February 25th to kick-off the spring 2013 ASHRAE seminar series. Watson is chief engineer of Daikin McQuay and has been involved in ASHRAE since 1972. His presentation entitled "Broadening ASHRAE's Horizons" emphasized how ASHRAE has become an increasingly global organization which must develop simple technologies that are affordable, easy to use, and meet the needs of communities throughout the world. Watson emphasized that in order for new, sophisticated sustainable HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air-conditioning) technologies to be successful, they must have a simple user interface.

Watson also highlighted the opportunities ASHRAE offers not only to current students but to young engineers who have recently graduated. He encouraged new graduates to get involved with the Young Engineers in ASHRAE (YEA) sub group suggesting that this is as an excellent way to network with fellow engineers with similar interests and get connected to the larger organization. He also noted that ASHRAE provides consistent support for students interested in the HVAC field through scholarships, grants, and sponsoring challenging annual student competitions.

This event was open to all undergraduate and graduate University of Maryland engineering students. At the conclusion of the presentation, the approximately 40 students, guests, and faculty enjoyed lunch provided by the GSG (Graduate Student Government) who co-sponsored sponsor the event. During this informal lunch, students also enjoyed the opportunity to speak with Watson and local National Capital Chapter (NCC) ASHRAE members. On behalf of the NCC, Sr. Governor Dunstan Macauley ’02, presented ASHRAE reference manuals which had been donated by members of the local professional chapter to the University of Maryland.

This event increased the awareness of ASRHAE to students, and strengthened the connection between the University of Maryland and NCC and National ASRHAE organization.

Published March 3, 2013