Oak Ridge Internship Provides Experiential Learning in Energy Efficiency

Niner Engineer Felix Ekuful, in the M.S. in Construction and Facilities Engineering program, just returned from an internship at Oak Ridge National Lab with a fresh perspective and deeper understanding of building technology.

At Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Building Technologies Research and Integration Center, Ekuful was able to apply theory to practice at the U.S. Department of Energy’s only facility dedicated to performing early-stage research and development in building technologies. “This internship has provided me with invaluable hands-on experience in the field, as I analyzed the cost-effectiveness and impact of various energy-saving strategies,” said Ekuful. “It allowed me to contribute to cutting-edge research aimed at improving building energy efficiency and sustainability. “

By participating in a student competition last year, Ekuful gained the opportunity for an internship. He and three other Niner Engineers entered the national “You and Me, Carbon Free!” competition which offered the winners an opportunity for a summer internship at a national lab. This inspired Ekuful and his fellow engineering students, including Harriet Darkwah, Emilio Nava and Ankit Soni, as they worked with algae photobioreactors to reduce carbon emissions by building HVAC systems. The team won first place among 83 teams from across the nation. Ekuful pursued the internship opportunity which sent him to Oak Ridge.

“The experience confirmed my commitment to leading advancements in sustainable building technologies,” said Ekuful, as he now turns to finishing his degree in May and looking toward starting his next challenge. “My career goal is to lead the way in enhancing energy efficiency of buildings through innovative research and sustainable practices.”

Learn more about Ekuful and his experience.