2023 New York Tech Energy Conference: Energy Careers and Professional Societies

Pictured from left: Craig Gruber, Robert M. Peras, Robert N. Amundsen, Steven D. Sannuto, and Nathaniel Steier

On June 7, guests gathered at NYIT de Seversky Mansion for New York Tech’s 17th annual Energy Conference. This year’s theme was Energy Careers and Professional Societies. Faculty, alumni, and industry experts explored the various energy-based careers and professional societies within the industry. Guest speakers talked about their careers, how to advance in the energy management field, and the latest innovations.

“What I would like to convey to everyone today is just how exciting these energy careers are,” said Robert N. Amundsen, Ph.D., associate professor and director of the energy management program. “Over the past four years, some of our alumni have gone on to become energy managers at Columbia University, Stony Brook University, Long Island University, JFK Airport Power Plant, and many more.”

In his opening remarks, Babak D. Beheshti, Ph.D., dean of the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences, discussed some of the college’s energy-based connections. “New York Tech has a unique combination of faculty expertise, industry connections, and cutting-edge research in the energy field,” he said.

Speaker Highlights

Murat Bayramoglu (M.S. ’05) is a senior energy engineer at infrastructure consulting firm AECOM, where he works on targeting carbon reduction strategies and implementing systems upgrades for his clients. In his talk, he discussed how he has led numerous energy audits and retro-commissioned studies. He also talked about writing reports for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, PSEG, Local Law 87, and Local Law 97, providing analysis and roadmaps aimed at the electrification of buildings and the decarbonization of the power grid through collaborative efforts among engineers.

Speaker Craig Gruber, M.S., discussed events, certifications, and ways to network. He spoke about industry certifications as well as networking events like trade shows. He also spoke about his company Innoventive Power, LLC, and talked about a vehicle he developed to bring the benefits of electric demand response to commercial and industrial customers and to improve efficiency and resiliency for energy users. Electric demand response is when companies reduce their electricity consumption when the utility does not have enough electricity available.

Similarly, Daniel Pego (M.S. ’15), who joined Con Edison in 2007, encouraged others to attend networking events as well as the ins and outs of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), an association for facility management professionals. He explained the advantages of joining the organization, including networking opportunities and earning industry credentials. He received the Facility Management Professional, Sustainability Facility Professional, and Certified Facility Management credentials through IFMA. Pego is passionate about promoting the profession, particularly with students, earning him the IFMA Distinguished Chapter Volunteer: End User Member award in 2020.

Robert M. Peras (B.S. ’04, M.S. ’08) focused his discussion on saving energy with minimal capital investment by using data analysis to identify unnecessary energy consumption and adjust equipment to operate effectively with less electricity, among other examples. Peras works in the private and public sectors as an energy consultant, owner/operator, and public utility engineer and manager. He is the energy performance manager at The Durst Organization, where he works with commercial and residential building engineers and property managers to optimize the operation and maintenance of HVAC and lighting systems.

Steven D. Sannuto (CERT. ’13, M.S. ’14) focused his remarks on heat pumps, electrification, and weatherization. He discussed switching from fossil fuels to green power sources and upgrading insulation so buildings consume less energy. Sannuto’s background is in program coordinating/commercial energy consulting at TRC Companies. He has more than 20 years of experience with electrical, mechanical, and control systems. He has installed comprehensive building management systems, conducted a comparative study of the electrical grid with smart grid designs, maintained the integrity of a 2,480 megawatt power plant at Ravenswood Generating Station in Long Island City, N.Y., and analyzed electrical transmission and distribution projects and budgets.

In his talk, Nathaniel Steier, P.E., explained the upgrades that are needed to prepare the power grid for the growing number of solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles. The transition to the “Smart Grid” will create job opportunities for energy professionals who are familiar with automation systems and power generation. Steier is a senior engineer at Power-Flo Technologies, Inc., and the Long Island chair for the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics) Power and Energy Society.

Learn more about this year’s Energy Conference.