School of Engineering

Ever since I was a kid, I have been interested in nature and mathematics, so Environmental Engineering seemed to be a perfect fit for me. After completing two years in community college, I selected Humboldt State University, in part because it was the Cal State University campus farthest away from my home in Southern California. Fortunately for me, it turned out to be a great choice with a wonderful learning environment. So great, in fact, that through HSU I studied abroad in Mexico, became a certified rescue diver, took Aikido and Latin ballroom dance classes, and was introduced to frisbee golf. As a result of these and other extra- curricular activities, I spent more years than most other ERE students working to complete my degree.

Despite my slow progress through the ERE program, I thoroughly enjoyed the curriculum. Some of my favorite memories are testing PV panels, learning about wetland design for wastewater treatment, and working on group experiments in fluid mechanics. I will also never forget taking a FORTRAN class from Margaret Lang. She never cut me any slack and always pushed me to do my best, and I can say that I finally got it.

Before receiving my degree in 1997, I worked summers as a draftsman for a civil engineering firm in Southern California performing analyses for land development projects. After graduating, I accepted an offer from Schiller Associates in the Bay Area, where I provided technical support for energy efficiency programs managed by the State’s Investor Owned Utilities (IOUs). Little did I know then how much writing (not one of my stellar skills at the time) would be required in this field, and that communicating difficult ideas in simple terms, both in speech and writing, is invaluable in the energy industry.

After 5 years with Schiller Associates, I joined Alternative Energy Systems Consulting as a senior engineer. I continued my work on the IOU programs by providing engineering support for clients such as Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE) and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E). We helped these clients develop and implement program policies and software tools for evaluating and verifying energy savings.

In 2008, I ventured out with my business partner to open my own energy management consulting firm, PL Energy. Our current clients include PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, and other private companies. We provide energy services in the following areas: Integrated Energy Audits, Energy Efficiency Consulting, Utility Energy Management Services, Retrocommissioning Services, LEED Building Consulting Services, Computer Energy Modeling, Technical Reports, and Technical Training.

I still work closely with five people who went through the ERE program with me, all following each other into the energy industry after graduation. One of the things I took most from the ERE program is that relationships matter as much as the science.

The environmental problems facing us in the years ahead will require the problem solving skills of an engineer, the communication skills of an attorney, and the attention to detail of an accountant. Yet, even these skills will not be sufficient without the integrity to do what is right. Thus, my advice to current ERE students is to develop your skills as a critical thinker.

I loved my stay in Northern California, and if it weren’t for the surf, sand, and incredible climate along the Southern California coast, I would probably still be living there. Currently, I live in San Clemente with my wife Katie and our three children. The flexibility of owning my own company allows me time to surf, paddle-board, and coach my kids’ sports teams. I will be forever grateful to HSU and the ERE program faculty, and staff for providing me with the experience that brought me to the place I am today.