Artificial intelligence (AI) is already making substantial changes in every industry, shifting how we work, learn and organize our daily lives. But how can AI tools shape the field of building science? That was the central question at the Industry Summit on Artificial Intelligence for the Built Environment, organized by , Traugott Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and co-director of the (性视界CoE).

Structured as a working session, the May 4 summit featured expert panelists from industry, academia and government agencies, with 12 companies represented and a total of 35 participants. After opening remarks from Professor Dong, the first panel of the day explored AI applications in smart and human-centered buildings. Presentations included:

• From Equipment to Ecosystem: An AI Strategy for Thermal Energy Systems and the Built Environment, presented by Josiah Johnston, senior director of data science at Daikin Open Innovation Lab Silicon Valley
• AI in Buildings: A Perspective From the Field, presented by William Healy, senior director at TRC Companies
• Using AI for Building Optimization, presented by Evan Torkos, vice president for strategy at Nantum AI
• The Restoration of a Building or Home鈥檚 Comfort, a New Set of Opportunities With AI, presented by Michael Birnkrant, chief architect, service and aftermarket at Carrier Corporation

A moderated discussion led by 性视界CoE鈥檚 executive director, , gave attendees a chance to dig deeper into these AI advances before breaking for a student poster session and lunch.

The afternoon panel widened the lens to AI鈥檚 role in building-connected infrastructure, covering the following topics:

• Load Flexibility and Electrified Commercial Buildings, presented by Mark Bremer and Julia Griffith from National Grid
• Hallucination of AI in Critical Infrastructure, presented by Herbert Dwyer, founder and CEO of EMPEQ
• A Semantic Foundation Unlocks Rapid Deployment of AI in the Built Environment, presented by Andrew Rodgers, co-founder of ACE IoT Solutions
• AI-Powered Communities: From Data to Resilience, presented by Nancy Min, co-founder and CEO of ecoLong
• Using GenAI to Accelerate Decarbonizing NYC Commercial Real Estate, presented by Thomas Yeh, consulting technical advisor, NYSERDA

The summit concluded with small group discussions: four breakout groups each co-facilitated by 性视界 University faculty and populated with a cross-section of academic and industry voices. This format ensured that the day鈥檚 themes were stress-tested in conversation and built the foundation for future collaborations. Dong plans to apply for funding for an interdisciplinary research center, such as a National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center, that will advance university-industry partnerships in the healthy buildings field.

The summit made clear that AI鈥檚 role in the built environment is no longer speculative鈥攊t is operational and growing rapidly. From smarter HVAC to grid-scale flexibility to community resilience, the challenge now is deploying these tools thoughtfully, sustainably and at scale.

This event was supported by the University鈥檚 聽through their Team Building for Large, Collaborative Grants program.

To be notified of future events and opportunities, sign up for 性视界CoE’s 听辞谤听.

The in Environmental and Energy Systems (性视界CoE) has awarded more than $44,000 in funding to advance innovative faculty research at 性视界 University in collaboration with industry partners. Three professors in the will receive 2026 性视界CoE Faculty Fellow awards.

性视界CoE鈥檚 Faculty Fellows program is designed to catalyze new, externally sponsored research projects that contribute to economic growth and workforce development with New York state businesses. All applicants are required to partner with a New York state company seeking technology, intellectual property or technoeconomic expertise.

The 2026 Faculty Fellows are:

• 笔谤辞蹿别蝉蝉辞谤听, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE)
• 笔谤辞蹿别蝉蝉辞谤听, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
• 笔谤辞蹿别蝉蝉辞谤听, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS)

Lao鈥檚 project, 鈥淏iomass Filter Material and Its Integrated Device to Remove Water Contaminants,鈥� aims to create a biomass filter that uses solar heating to clean polluted water without electricity or specialized infrastructure. MAE professor 聽will serve as co-principal investigator, and 性视界-based startup聽聽is the project鈥檚 industry partner.

Qin鈥檚 project, 鈥淢ycelium-based Double Network Composites for Indoor Air Filtration,鈥� will develop and optimize mycelium鈥損olypropylene network composites for use in indoor air filtration systems, aiming to remove contamination from volatile organic compounds and fine particulate matter. Qin will partner with and MAE professor .

Qiu鈥檚 project, 鈥淣euromorphic Inspired Environment Sensing for Smart Buildings Control and Monitoring,鈥� will use 性视界 University鈥檚 LEED Platinum facility at 727 E. Washington Street as a testbed. ,聽性视界CoE Co-Director and MAE professor,聽will collaborate with Qiu on this effort to develop a processing framework capable of predicting and diagnosing complex patterns in building monitoring sensors. Qiu will leverage industry partnerships built through her role as the University’s site director for the NSF Industry-University Collaboration Research Center for Alternative Sustainable and Intelligent Computing.

鈥淲e thank all the applicants who made significant effort in developing strong proposals and collaborative relationships with industry partners,鈥� says聽, MAE interim department chair and Executive Director of 性视界CoE.

鈥淚t has been a difficult decision in the final selection of awardees, as we received significantly more high-quality proposals than we can fund. We will continue to seek other ways that we can support innovation through 性视界CoE鈥檚 shared research and development labs, networking and joint proposals to external funding agencies and industries.鈥�

As New York State鈥檚 Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems, 性视界CoE advances research and commercialization activities that support clean energy, healthy buildings, and resilient communities.

Since 2015, the 性视界CoE Faculty Fellows program has allocated over $1.1 million to research and development projects led by more than 70 faculty members from the University and its academic partners, including SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, SUNY Upstate Medical University and SUNY Oswego.

鈥淓very dollar we dedicate to the Faculty Fellows program is an investment in our regional economy, strengthening Central New York鈥檚 research and development ecosystem for companies, including startups,鈥� says Zhang.

(性视界CoE) has awarded funds to two startups through its 2025-26 Innovation Fund pitch competition.

罢丑别听聽is a seed fund supported through聽 memberships and offered to help companies overcome research and development barriers to commercialization, leveraging the support of 性视界CoE-affiliated universities, faculty and students. Projects must address a challenge within 性视界CoE鈥檚 broad core focus areas of healthy and efficient buildings, clean energy and resilient, low-carbon communities.

Two startups in 性视界CoE鈥檚 Partner Program,聽听补苍诲听, were selected to receive awards of $7,500 each for research and development projects.

KLAW Industries was awarded funding to study the chemical, mechanical and physical properties of utilizing windowpane waste glass in high-performance, low-carbon concrete. Based in Binghamton, New York, KLAW Industries diverts contaminated glass from the waste stream and repurposes it into a patent-pending material to replace cement in concrete mix. The company will work in partnership with Mohammad Uzzal Hossain at Department of Sustainable Resources Management.

PanLys was awarded funding to validate its Visible-Light Photocatalytic Oxidation (VL-PCO) technology for continuous microbial control in HVAC systems. Partnering with 性视界 University faculty, the startup will test coated filters and in-duct modules to measure microbial reduction, airflow performance and energy impact under U.S. building conditions. PanLys develops innovative technology that protects people from harmful microorganisms in high-traffic indoor spaces, such as hospitals, restaurants, research and development labs and offices.

Innovation Fund pitches are evaluated by a group of external reviewers. 性视界CoE gratefully acknowledges the panel of volunteer reviewers for lending their time and expertise, including Jim D鈥橝gostino (TDO), Jeff Fuchsberg (Center for Advanced Systems and Engineering at 性视界 University), Indaria Jones (Couri Hatchery Business Incubator at the Whitman School of Management), John Lawyer (性视界 University alumnus), and Tong Lin (性视界CoE).

鈥淲e are delighted to collaborate with companies to turn research into real-world impact,鈥� says Bing Dong, Traugott Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and 性视界CoE co-director. 鈥淐ongratulations to KLAW Industries and PanLys!鈥�

性视界CoE is New York State鈥檚 Center of Excellence for Environmental and Energy Systems. Support for the Innovation Fund is provided by members of the 性视界CoE Partner Program. To date, the Innovation Fund has invested over $640,000 in more than 60 projects throughout New York State and beyond.

Eligibility for Innovation Fund awards is open to all current members of the聽. To learn more about joining the 性视界CoE Partner Program, contact Tammy Rosanio at聽tlrosani@syr.edu.

The 性视界 Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems (性视界CoE) is now for the 2026 Faculty Fellows Program. Faculty members are invited to submit proposals of up to $15,000 for innovative research and development projects related to healthy and efficient buildings, clean energy and resilient, low-carbon communities.

This program is open to faculty members who hold full-time appointments at 性视界 University, SUNY Upstate Medical University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF). Proposals must include engagement with one or more industry partners. 性视界CoE welcomes proposals that engage multiple faculty members, including interdisciplinary teams from multiple departments, colleges and/or institutions.

Faculty Fellow funding may be used for expenses associated with research, development and demonstration projects, including (but not limited to): use of laboratories and equipment, research materials and supplies, and student employment. Faculty members are encouraged to review the for details on eligibility, funding restrictions, proposal format and reporting requirements.

鈥溞允咏鏑oE Faculty Fellow awards are an excellent opportunity for researchers to build collaborative relationships with New York state companies that can grow into mutually beneficial R&D partnerships,鈥� says Jianshun 鈥淛ensen鈥� Zhang, mechanical and aerospace engineering interim department chair and executive director of 性视界CoE.

Awards will be announced in December 2025. Selected Faculty Fellows will have the opportunity to join 性视界CoE鈥檚 innovation ecosystem, contributing to educational programming, industry collaboration and future sponsored funding proposals. Fellows will also present their work at the annual Innovation Showcase in August 2026.

The Faculty Fellow Program is supported by Empire State Development鈥檚 Division of Science, Technology & Innovation (ESD/NYSTAR). Since 2015, 性视界CoE has allocated over $1 million to research and development projects led by more than 70 性视界CoE Faculty Fellows at 性视界 University, SUNY ESF, SUNY Upstate Medical University and SUNY Oswego.

Applications must be submitted through 性视界 University鈥檚聽. The deadline to apply is Friday, Nov. 21. Questions about the program can be directed to Tammy Rosanio, associate director of partner programs .

When junior , an environmental engineering major in the , was growing up, her parents taught her the sensibility of re-using goods, thrifting what she needed and making the best use of everything she had. Around her Bentonville, Virginia, home, she picked up things at auctions, thrift stores and even out of the garbage. 鈥淒umpster diving,鈥� something she had wanted to try, became part of her routine once she arrived at 性视界 University.

One day, a Department of Public Safety officer stopped Lubkemann at a campus dumpster and asked for identification.聽 After confirming her student status, the officer recounted how the night before, he鈥檇 ejected a man who wasn鈥檛 a student for doing the same thing Lubkemann was doing.

鈥淭hat was one of the most impactful experiences I鈥檝e had, not only at the University but in my life,鈥� Lubkemann explains. 鈥淭o me, it was so unjust that a piece of plastic set me apart from others who might need things.鈥� She says she recognized that removing the person from the scene 鈥渕ight have been the difference between a man and his dinner.鈥�

After that incident, Lubkemann began to reflect on her privileged student status and the injustice that she could access found objects on campus while others were barred from obtaining those throwaway goods. 鈥淚 grew up very privileged, but I was instilled with the value of not taking more than you need. There are things in the garbage that aren鈥檛 actually garbage. A lot of stuff is thrown away before its expiration date,” Lubkemann says. “I found my calling in environmental engineering due to the critical shortage of professionals in the field and by a passion for sustainability, which I see as not just an environmental issue but also a social and economic imperative.鈥�

A ‘Revamped’ Idea

After observing high levels of textile waste on campus and how those without a vehicle have limited access to donate clothing or buy affordable used things,聽 Lubkemann devised the idea for her business, 鈥�.鈥�

Her company is a research-based, pioneering, sustainability-driven mobile enterprise redefining textile waste management through a mobile thrift store and donation hub, currently operating from a repurposed minibus. It takes in discarded yet valuable textiles from their point of disposal and offers an accessible, community-centered solution that diverts waste from landfills while ensuring that high-quality secondhand goods remain in the local economy.

Lubkemann spoke about her idea with ,聽 性视界 University Libraries strategic initiatives advisor and a faculty member in the . She encouraged Lubkemann to submit her idea for a mobile donation center/thrift store/re-distribution hub in the competition. Lubkemann then developed a 10-page business plan, entered the competition and won $5,000.

鈥淚 never thought anyone would find interest in this; I thought it was a pipe dream. Who would think a top U.S. university would invest in such a small idea? But Linda gave me the confidence to pursue it, and that was one of the things that totally launched me into this initiative. I like to say Revamped was born from a dumpster, which gives me hope any idea or dream can take shape if you work towards it. It鈥檚 really taken off from there,鈥� she says.

Adding Funds, Growth

Lubkemann has continued to refine and grow her company and gain funding. She has won $25,000聽 from campus competitions since November 2024, including the at the , a award, the and research monies. Her achievements include the following:

• Obtaining a DBA (鈥渄oing business as鈥�) certificate and starting a limited liability corporation (Ava Lubkemann LLC).
• Acquiring a minibus and outfitting it to serve as mobile thrift shop/donation center.

  

• Establishing a account for potential investors.
• Hosting pop-up sales, cross-campus co-branding events and creating a to distribute on campus.
• Researching textile waste distribution to define more community re-distribution channels.
• Contacting local businesses seeking storage space for additional collected items.
• Ideating two podcasts about Revamped and sustainable living.
• Asking the Sustainability Management group to add sustainable entrepreneurship student ambassadors.
• Contacting George Washington University and Lewis and Clark College to gauge their interest in replicating the Revamped program.

That鈥檚 hardly Lubkemann鈥檚 limit. From finding goods, to reworking and repairing them, to setting up the mobile store and planning distribution points, she does most of Revamped鈥檚 work herself, helped by , the company’s marketer, a student in the Newhouse School of Public Communications.

Ava is also a resident advisor, entrepreneur-in-residence at the聽 student business incubator, a part-time Orange Innovation Scholar worker and a research fellow on the 鈥檚 Carbon Capture Team. She continues to enter competitions such as and present at the . She鈥檚 also taking 17 course credits.

The Long View

The busy student has no shortage of vision, either. Lubkemann envisions expanding the company and hopes its success lets her form a 501C3 nonprofit organization to funnel a mass accumulation of textile waste to people who really need it.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 what matters to me, trying to make a positive impact in the community. I was raised on the principle, 鈥榃herever you go leave it a better place than you found it,” Lubkemann says. “I think that鈥檚 the core of making Revamped what I want it to be鈥攁 community-oriented program that connects universities with their communities and advocates for the little guy and people who are in need.鈥�

Goods can be purchased from Revamped鈥檚 Instagram page, listing, or soon-to-launch website, revampedthrift.com. Lubkemann also plans to announce future campus sales and events via those avenues.

The (ECS) is excited to announce that Professor Jianshun 鈥淛ensen鈥� Zhang has been appointed interim department chair of mechanical and aerospace engineering (MAE), as of July 1, 2025. Zhang serves as executive director of the (CoE) and is one of the premier experts worldwide on built environment systems.

Zhang received a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1991, worked as a researcher at the National Research Council of Canada for eight years and joined 性视界 University in 1999. He has over 35 years of research experience in built environmental systems and has authored and co-authored more than 200 peer-reviewed journal papers and over 100 conference papers. His areas of expertise include combined heat, air, moisture and pollutant simulations in buildings, material emissions, air filtration/purification, ventilation, indoor air quality and intelligent control of building environmental systems.

Zhang has developed advanced experimental methods, tools and equipment, as well as computer simulation models and environmental control technologies. Over his last 25 years with the University, he has established and sustained an active research program in building energy and environmental systems with over $20 million in sponsored research.

He also teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in the areas of building energy and environmental systems and fundamental heat and mass transfer. He has advised and co-advised over 20 Ph.D. students, over 20 M.S. students and eight postdoctoral fellows.

Zhang is a member of the International Academy of Indoor Air Science (ISIAQ fellow) and a fellow of the American Society for Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers. He is also currently the vice president of the Indoor Air Quality, Ventilation and Energy Conservation Association. He served as president and chairman of the board of the International Association of Building Physics from 2018-21. He is also editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Ventilation and associate editor of Science and Technology for the Built Environment.

鈥淧rofessor Zhang is one of the best respected researchers, educators and leaders in his field. I am especially grateful for his willingness to serve as interim department chair because he has been so intentional about mentorship and support of other faculty,鈥� says ECS Dean J. Cole Smith. 鈥淎lthough we will miss Dr. Young Moon鈥檚 steady leadership of MAE, I am excited to see the innovative actions Professor Zhang will take to move MAE forward.鈥�

鈥淚 am truly honored and excited to have the opportunity to serve the department, college, university and the profession in this new role. I sincerely thank the faculty, staff and ECS leadership for their trust and support, and thank Professor Young Moon for leading and serving MAE over the last decade. MAE has highly talented and very student-caring faculty and staff running excellent undergraduate and graduate programs. I am looking forward to working with them more closely to advance MAE to the next level,鈥� says Zhang.

笔谤辞蹿别蝉蝉辞谤听聽was recently selected to lead a workshop on artificial intelligence (AI) at聽, the Conference and Workshop on Neural Information Processing Systems. Founded in 1987, NeurIPS is one of the most prestigious annual conferences dedicated to machine learning听补苍诲听AI聽research.

Dong鈥檚 workshop proposal, 鈥淯rbanAI: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Smart Cities,鈥� will focus on AI tools and technologies that can optimize urban areas. From transportation infrastructure and traffic management to power systems and building HVAC, integrated machine learning solutions can make cities more efficient and reduce carbon emissions. The workshop will convene experts from diverse backgrounds to address the multifaceted challenges of urban sustainability.

A collaborative effort, Dong is organizing the workshop in partnership with colleagues from Harvard, Columbia, the University of Washington and Mila, a Canadian research institute founded by Yoshua Bengio. Professor Bengio is the recipient of the A. M. Turing Award, known as the 鈥淣obel Prize of Computing.鈥�

Zixin Jiang, a Ph.D. candidate in Dong鈥檚 lab, will also participate in the conference as a speaker on an expert panel on AI applications for urban environments.

鈥淚t is a great honor to collaborate with leading computer scientists worldwide to tackle future smart city challenges,鈥� says Dong. 鈥淭his is the first workshop at NeurIPS focused on this important topic. We live in a world full of AI applications, and it鈥檚 crucial to understand where they may take us, especially regarding energy and environmental issues.鈥�

Dong is the Traugott Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in the and the Associate Director of Grid-Interactive Buildings at the聽. He leads the聽, an interdisciplinary research group working on advanced building controls, building energy system modeling, and indoor environmental quality.

NeurIPS is highly competitive, with a workshop proposal acceptance rate just under 20%. The 2025 conference will take place Dec. 2-7 in San Diego, California.

The smoke from more than 100 Canadian wildfires is reaching many regions within the U.S., including as far south as Georgia. Air quality is deteriorating in the Midwest, Great Lakes and Northeast, prompting health advisories in many cities. In Canada, more than 25,000 residents across three provinces have been evacuated due to the worsening air conditions.

The 聽(性视界COE) is advising residents to take simple steps to protect indoor air quality and personal health in the event of increased smoke levels.

, professor and associate director of building science and community programs at 性视界 University, provides air quality recommendations below which can be quoted directly. He is also available for interview.

“Get ready ahead of time by purchasing or borrowing a HEPA air cleaner and/or a higher-efficiency furnace filter, and masks for going outdoors.” 鈥� Professor Ian Shapiro, 性视界 University

Recommendations include:

1. Use Air Cleaners With HEPA Filters:聽Portable air cleaners equipped with HEPA filters can significantly reduce airborne particulate concentrations within minutes.

2. Run HVAC Fan Continuously:聽If your home has a forced-air heating or cooling system, locate the thermostat setting labeled 鈥淔an鈥� and switch it from 鈥淎uto鈥� to 鈥淥n.鈥� This will continuously circulate indoor air through the system鈥檚 filter, removing particulates. This practice is safe and effective year-round. This is significantly more effective if your system has a high-efficiency filter, such as a filter rated “MERV 13” or higher. If not, consider at least installing a filter rated “MERV 11”, instead of a standard efficiency filter.

3. Close Windows and Doors:聽Keep all windows and doors shut to minimize the entry of outdoor smoke into your home during smoky conditions.

4. Limit Use of Exhaust Fans:聽While bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans remove moisture and cooking fumes, they also pull outdoor air into the house. During wildfire smoke events, limit their use to reduce the intake of contaminated air.

5. Wear a Mask Outdoors: When spending time outside, especially if air quality worsens, wear a well-fitting mask to help filter inhaled particles.

The 性视界 University Center of Excellence, led by , conducts cutting-edge research on indoor and outdoor air quality. The center is currently monitoring air quality across multiple locations in downtown 性视界 and continues to provide science-based guidance to the community.

To learn more or to set up interviews, contact:

Daryl Lovell
Associate Director of Media Relations
University Communications
M听315.380.0206

Peter Wirth has a two-fold strategy when it comes to renovating his home.

The Brooklyn, New York, native has called Central New York home for more than 40 years. Nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac in Fayetteville, New York, the 1960s-era Craftsman house he shares with his wife, daughter and their cat 鈥淪pice鈥� not only features many attractive upgrades in aesthetics and design, but most importantly cuts back on their climate footprint with every improvement plan and project.

鈥淚 think what probably got me on the path was I believe in science,鈥� says Wirth, co-founder of the . 鈥淚鈥檓 trying to remove or reduce our consumption of fossil fuels in the house.鈥�

Wirth keeps energy efficiency at the center of his home upgrades, generating his own renewable energy with rooftop solar panels, and getting his hot water on demand through an updated tankless water heater. His sustainability goals led him to make one of his biggest home upgrades yet鈥攁dding an air-sourced heat pump to his natural gas furnace, creating a hybrid heating and cooling system that runs much more efficiently.

鈥淚 think once you go to an electric heat pump, you鈥檇 never think about doing a gas furnace again,鈥� says Wirth.

Getting more people to consider heat pumps for their homes and businesses has been a mission point for , professor of practice in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the associate director of Building Science and Community Programs at the 性视界 Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems. He launched his mechanical engineering career more than three decades ago with designing heat pumps.

Systems That Heat and Cool

While the word heat can lead people to limit the technology to only its warming effect, these systems work to both heat and cool structures.

Shapiro says heat pumps work by moving heat from the outdoor air to the indoor space, similar to how a refrigerator moves heat from the inside to the outside. The heating and cooling system uses electricity to move heat rather than generating it directly. Even on a cold Central New York day with an outdoor temperature below freezing, the pump can effectively pull warm air from the outdoors to heat the inside of a home or building.

鈥淭hat free outdoor heat is renewable,鈥� Shapiro says. 鈥淎nd much of the electricity is carbon free from sources such as hydroelectricity and solar. If New York state meets its goals by 2040, it will all be clean electricity.鈥�

Residence as a Living Lab

Wirth opened his home to Shapiro鈥檚 graduate mechanical engineering students as a 鈥渓iving lab鈥� to execute research questions and learn directly from homeowners about the real-world implications of heat pump technology. The collaboration has proven fruitful for researchers and Wirth. 性视界 researchers were able to identify ways to make his heat pump and home more efficient, and the hands-on work will help students in their professional fields.

鈥溞允咏� has been an ideal place to study heat pump performance in cold climates and older homes,鈥� says mechanical and aerospace engineering Ph.D. student, Sameeraa Soltanian-Zadeh 鈥�26. 鈥淭hese field studies help bridge the gap between lab-tested efficiency and real-world performance.鈥�

鈥淎s more buildings transition from traditional fossil fuel heating systems to heat pumps, improving their operational efficiency will be crucial,鈥� says Ji Zhou 鈥�28, another Ph.D. student in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, who plans to work in a heat pump research lab post-graduation.

, with requirements for all new buildings to use electric heat and appliances by 2026 and all existing buildings by 2030. Shapiro estimates there are more than 100,000 heat pumps currently in use in New York state. He anticipates more growth in the years to come as fossil-fuel powered energy becomes more expensive.

For homeowners like Wirth, finding ways to cut down on carbon consumption and reduce greenhouse gases is a personal mission now powering his home and his life.

鈥淔or me to recommend to other people to do things without doing them myself, I just can鈥檛 do it,鈥� says Wirth. 鈥淚t would feel hollow. I need to walk the talk.鈥�

Video captured, edited and produced by Amy Manley, senior multimedia producer

性视界 Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems (性视界CoE) is pleased to announce that four local organizations have been selected for the 2025 . This program provides 性视界CoE Partners with funding to host a paid summer intern. Student interns work on projects related to indoor environmental quality, high-performance/green building design, energy efficiency, and water resources.

The organizations selected are:

• , a startup based in Ithaca, New York, that uses AI-powered technology to provide real-time equipment insights for site auditors, engineers and other HVAC professionals.
• , a startup located in Binghamton, New York, that diverts contaminated glass from the waste stream and repurposes it into a patent-pending material to replace cement in concrete mix.
• , a startup based in Potsdam, New York, that develops and manufactures innovative power electronics for applications in solar, battery storage, electric vehicle charging, and grid support.
• , a non-profit housing and community development organization with offices in 性视界 and Buffalo, New York.

Each organization will receive up to $4,000 to host an undergraduate or graduate student this summer. The Industry Collaboration Student Internship Program provides students with critical work-based learning experiences offering hands-on technical skill development and work experience. Ultimately, the program aims to increase post-graduation student retention in Central New York.

鈥溞允咏鏑oE is pleased to support local partners manage their talent needs, while also providing meaningful learning experiences for students,鈥� says 性视界CoE Executive Director . 鈥淪ince 2004, 性视界CoE has funded more than 140 student internships with industry partners under this program. This year, we鈥檙e pleased to also support an internship with a community-based partner, for the first time since this program was initiated.鈥�

Student interns will present their work on a project poster at 性视界CoE鈥檚 annual Innovation Showcase, to be held in August 2025.

Participation in this internship program is one of the benefits of the . To learn more or join the program, contact Tammy Rosanio, Associate Director of Partner Programs, at聽tlrosani@syr.edu.

On Feb. 14, 性视界 Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems (性视界CoE) hosted the first Smart Cities Research @ SU workshop, led by , associate professor at the School of Information Studies (iSchool). Professor Erdogan is one of the recipients of a 2024 性视界CoE Faculty Fellow award. This past year, 性视界CoE to support 11 research and innovation projects led by faculty members from 性视界 University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

Erdogan is the director of the , an interdisciplinary research hub focused on the interaction of human, physical and natural systems and on connecting the interdependencies between them. The center seeks to leverage information science and digital technologies to inform public policy, advancing sustainability and resiliency.

Professor Erdogan鈥檚 Faculty Fellow project, 鈥淪mart Cities Research Network Development for Sustainable and Resilient Communities,鈥� aims to bring together faculty members, government agencies, and community partners to develop an institutional framework for smart cities research. A smart city is one that utilizes sensor networks, advanced Information Communication Technologies (ICT), Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, big data analytics and cloud computing to deliver services more efficiently and improve quality of life for residents. The applications can span almost all aspects of city governance including but not limited to mobility, resilience and disaster response, environmental monitoring, energy efficiency, engagement and community, economic development, housing, waste management and more.

The Feb. 14 event was the first of two workshops supported by this Faculty Fellow award. With a strong interdisciplinary approach, the workshop engaged faculty from the School of Information Studies (the iSchool), the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, the School of Architecture and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Government stakeholders also attended, including representatives from the City of 性视界鈥檚 Office of the Mayor and from the 性视界 Metropolitan Transportation Council (SMTC).

To kick off the workshop, Professor Erdogan, along with iSchool Associate Dean for Research and 性视界CoE Executive Director , gave opening remarks. Jennifer Tifft, Director of Strategic Initiatives for the City of 性视界, and Vincent Scipione, Director of Digital Services for the City of 性视界, shared relevant initiatives and research needs at the municipal level. Faculty from across SU then gave lightning talks to highlight ongoing scholarship. also facilitated a working session to identify research themes and areas for potential collaboration.

鈥淭his workshop was a crucial step in establishing a collaborative foundation for smart city research at SU and positioning the university as a leader in smart city innovations,鈥� says Erdogan. 鈥淎t its core, this initiative is about using technology and data for social good, about creating sustainable and resilient communities. Meaningful smart city research begins with collaboration, which is why bringing together key community members was essential.鈥�

鈥淚n this first workshop, we focused on engaging faculty and government partners, leveraging our collaboration with the City of 性视界 to identify critical problems, develop potential real-world applications, and explore how 性视界 can help lead in smart city innovation. Looking ahead, our next workshop will expand this effort by engaging community organizations and industry partners. We want to build a research network that actively listens to and serves the community, ensuring technology is used to meet real needs.鈥�

鈥溞允咏鏑oE is pleased to host and support this and future workshops on smart cities research and collaborations,鈥� says Zhang. 鈥淚n collaboration with our academic, industrial and community partners, 性视界CoE is establishing a multiscale air quality, stormwater, and energy flow monitoring system testbed across 性视界. The multiscale testbed and its near-real-time data will open ample opportunities for both academic research and industrial innovations in the development of smart city technologies and systems, including preliminary results that support applications for externally sponsored collaborative research projects.鈥�

Faculty who are interested in joining the second Smart Cities Research @ SU workshop should contact Professor Sevgi Erdogan at serdogan@syr.edu.

is hosting 鈥淭he Ideas Exchange: Sparking Innovation at 性视界 University鈥� on Tuesday, March 4, from 2:30 to 5 p.m. on the first floor of Bird Library. Students from across campus eager to explore the frontiers of innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity are invited to attend this student-designed and student-led event to engage with experts, resources and peers in a dynamic and interactive environment.

is more than just a networking event鈥攊t鈥檚 an incubator for ideas, where students can find inspiration, seek guidance and connect with the right resources to bring their projects to life. The event features two simultaneous components: The Resource Emporium and Ask the Experts. Sponsored by SU Libraries, the 性视界 University NSF I-Corps and the Orange Innovation Team, this event is for aspiring entrepreneurs, innovators and those simply curious about the creative and startup ecosystem on campus.

At the heart of The Idea Exchange is the Orange Innovation Team, including Orange Innovation Scholars Ava Lubekmann, Jair Espinoza, Aidan Turner and Thomas O鈥橞rien and Intelligence ++ Scholars Isaac Munce and Trey Augliano. These student leaders have curated an experience that fosters collaboration, encourages curiosity and provides direct access to some of the most valuable resources available on campus.

The Resource Emporium: Your Gateway to Innovation

On the first floor of Bird Library, a diverse lineup of organizations will host information tables to provide students with resources to help develop their ideas, start businesses and enhance their creative projects. Whether students are looking to create a prototype, launch a creative idea, secure funding for an idea or learn more about innovation on campus, The Resource Emporium will offer access to the right tools and people to take their ambitions further. Participating groups include:

• Blackstone LaunchPad鈥揅ampus hub for entrepreneurship
• CASE鈥揅enter for Advanced Systems and Engineering
• Couri Hatchery鈥揝tudent venture incubation
• D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families
• E-Club鈥揈ntrepreneurship student organization
• FADS鈥揊ashion and design society
• Innovation Law Center鈥揕egal guidance for startups
• Intelligence ++鈥揑nclusive design and assistive technology
• Invent@SU鈥揜apid prototyping and invention resources
• Maker Space鈥揌ands-on creative workshops and prototyping
• NEXIS鈥揈merging technology research
• NSF I-Corps at 性视界 University
• The 性视界 Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement (SOURCE)鈥揢ndergraduate research support
• Startup Garage鈥揈arly-stage startup mentoring
• 性视界 Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems
• TEDx 性视界 University鈥揚latform for innovative ideas and storytelling
• WISE鈥揥omen Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship

Ask the Experts: Conversations That Ignite Ideas

In a format inspired by 鈥淗uman Library鈥� events, the聽Ask the Experts聽session will feature more than聽20 confirmed peer specialists聽and professionals across various fields engaging in small-group conversations. These sessions, held in the聽Peter Graham Scholarly Commons (Room 114 in Bird Library), will provide students with the chance to ask questions from student and alumni thought leaders, receive tailored advice and gain valuable insights into the skills needed to thrive in innovation, creation and entrepreneurship.

Each discussion will be an opportunity to learn from expert peers and experienced professionals while sparking innovative ideas through engaging conversations. The curated topics and expert insights are designed to empower students with practical knowledge and the confidence to move forward with their ventures.

The expert insights will be in the areas of content creation, pitching, brand development and many more.

Mix It Up: Networking and Refreshments

To wrap up the event, attendees can mingle and network from 4:30 to 5 p.m. in the Peter Graham Scholarly Commons. Light refreshments will be provided, creating a casual and welcoming environment for students to connect with peers, experts, and resource representatives.

Why Attend The Idea Exchange?

The Idea Exchange presents an unparalleled opportunity for students to tap into the University鈥檚 vast network of innovation resources. Whether you have a business idea, a research project, or a creative endeavor, this event will help you take the next step by:

• Gaining access to key innovation resources: Meet representatives from leading campus programs.
• Engage with experts: Learn from professionals who can provide real-world insights.
• Build your network: Connect with fellow students who share your passion for innovation.
• Find inspiration: Discover ideas and opportunities to explore.

For more information, visit Bird Library 123, home of 鈥淭he IDEA Studio,鈥� or email OrangeInnovation@syr.edu.

Four startup companies have been selected to receive awards through the 性视界 Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems (性视界CoE) Innovation Fund. Designed to support projects that help companies overcome research and development (R&D) barriers to commercialization of potentially transformative innovations, the Innovation Fund is funded by 性视界CoE Partner Program members.

This year鈥檚 winning companies are , , and .

Each awardee will receive $10,000 to support product development and technological innovation. The companies were selected from a competitive pool of applicants who pitched their projects to a panel of external reviewers. Partner companies were invited to submit proposals aligned with 性视界CoE鈥檚 key focus areas of indoor environmental quality, clean and renewable energy and water resources. The selected projects are:

Hydronic Shell Technologies: “Optimization of Hydrobox Terminal Units”

In this project, Hydronic Shell Technologies will work with its fabrication partners to further develop the HydroBox, a proprietary terminal unit that is key to the hydronic shell system. The funding will be utilized towards overall optimization of the HydroBox design, including air filtration, throw and distribution as well as development of the anchoring and support of the HydroBox to Hydronic Shell鈥檚 facade system.

M3 Innovation: “Autonomous Optimization of Energy Usage through IoT Wireless Control System”

This project involves the development and demonstration of Autonomous Optimization Energy Usage through an IoT Wireless Lighting Control System that utilizes a secure IoT platform at 915 MHz and enables long-range communication to remote sensor nodes. The system autonomously adjusts energy consumption, monitors power conditions and integrates with existing infrastructure to minimize energy usage and provide real-time data analysis.

ThermoVerse: “Smart Insulation Material System (SIMs)”

The SIMs project deploys ThermoVerse鈥檚 innovative smart insulation drop-ceiling panels in a quarter-scale test bed to reduce HVAC energy consumption by 40% or greater, without compromising the thermal comfort of building occupants. This work forms part of a larger project on grid-interactive smart building envelopes funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Technologies Office (BTO) and the American-Made Lab MATCH Prize.

tomPhyzx: “Validation, Visualization and Optimization of Air Flow Analysis in Digital Twins of Hospital and Exam Rooms to Reduce Hospital-Acquired Infections with Minimal Energy Impact”

This project will extend initial Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) studies conducted through 性视界CoE鈥檚 EPIC Buildings program to validate and improve air flow models in Upstate Medical Simulation Center鈥檚 single-patient hospital room and a medical exam room. The goal is to reduce hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) while minimizing energy consumption.

The external reviewers who evaluated applicant pitches included Marco Adolph of TROX; Scott MacBain of Carrier Corp.; Cindy Oehmigen of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York; Kate Oja of the Workforce Development Institute; and Dan Rickman of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

鈥淭he quality and creativity of these project proposals speaks to the strength of the innovation ecosystem that 性视界CoE fosters,鈥� says MacBain, director of compression module engineering at Carrier Corp, and chair of 性视界CoE鈥檚 Industry Partners Council.

鈥溞允咏鏑oE is uniquely positioned to connect startups with academic experts,鈥� says 性视界CoE Executive Director Jianshun 鈥淛ensen鈥� Zhang. 鈥淭hrough partnerships with 性视界 University faculty and students, these Innovation Fund projects will advance energy-efficient technologies and intelligent systems for human health, comfort, resilience and sustainability.鈥�

Created in 2014, the has invested more than $640,000 in more than 60 projects, many of which are based in New York State. Participating companies have reported more than 264 jobs created and over $49,000,000 in additional public and private funding leveraged from the Innovation Fund projects.

All current members of the are eligible to apply to the Innovation Fund. To join the Partner Program or learn more, contact Tammy Rosanio, associate director of partner programs, at tlrosani@syr.edu.

The University has received funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to create new Building Training and Assessment Center (BTAC) to train undergraduate and graduate engineering students and build a clean energy workforce. The SU-BTAC, aligned with the vision of the DOE BTAC program, will educate and provide hands-on training for engineering students to perform assessments focused on reducing the energy burden for commercial and institutional buildings with a focus on disadvantaged communities.

The SU-BTAC will be housed at the (性视界CoE), New York State鈥檚 Center of Excellence in Environmental Energy Systems which engages more than 200 private companies, organizations and academic institutions to create new products and services in indoor environmental quality, clean and renewable energy, and water resource management.

With 性视界CoE, the SU-BTAC will create relationships and company screening opportunities to connect commercial and institutional buildings with existing programs in the region relating to unions, apprenticeships, trade organizations, community programs and others.

鈥淚 see the SU-BTAC as an expansion of the 性视界 University Industrial Assessment Center (SU-IAC), now SU-ITAC, and as a great experiential learning opportunity for our students. Not only are we able to help commercial and institutional buildings with reducing their energy burden, but we are also able to teach and mentor the next generation of energy engineers,鈥� says , director of IAC and associate teaching professor in mechanical and aerospace engineering.

SU-BTAC will be led by faculty from 性视界 University and supported by faculty from the City University of New York. The center will be co-directed by Professor , with involvement from professors and .

The has awarded $198,851 in 2024 性视界CoE Faculty Fellow awards to support 11 research and innovation projects led by faculty members from 性视界 University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF).

The 性视界CoE Faculty Fellows program supports and honors faculty members who demonstrate a strong commitment to interdisciplinary research and scholarship in the areas of energy, environmental quality and sustainable design, with additional support available for projects engaging New York state-based companies. These projects were selected from a pool of faculty proposals submitted during a funding solicitation issued by 性视界CoE earlier this spring. Since 2015, over $1 million has been awarded to advance research and development projects led by 性视界CoE Faculty Fellows.

鈥淲e are excited to include these exceptional faculty members in 性视界CoE鈥檚 growing network,鈥� says 性视界CoE Executive Director , professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering in the College of Engineering amd Computer Science. 鈥淭heir diverse expertise across disciplines and, in many instances, collaboration with local entrepreneurs will be critical in supporting our mission of promoting innovative solutions for human health, global energy and environmental challenges.鈥�

鈥淭his is an excellent program for energy and environmental research and development,鈥� says , associate dean for research in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. 鈥淭he support from 性视界CoE addresses a critical gap in aligning the technical needs of regional and national companies with the expertise of faculty and students at 性视界 University.鈥�

Lindi Quackenbush, interim vice president for research at SUNY ESF, says, 鈥淪UNY ESF is a longstanding partner institution of 性视界CoE, and the 性视界CoE Faculty Fellows program provides important support for SUNY ESF faculty, often working in collaboration with regional companies and communities, to develop and expand their research capabilities and expertise while addressing global challenges.鈥�

2024 Faculty Fellow awards include:聽

• Bing Dong, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science, 性视界 University, 鈥淪mart Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERVs) for Schools鈥�
• Scott Erdman, associate professor of biology, College of Arts and Sciences, 性视界 University, 鈥淢etal Doped Fungal Biomass as Material for Energy Storage Devices鈥�
• Sevgi Erdogan, associate professor, School of Information Studies, 性视界 University, 鈥淪mart Cities Research Network Development for Sustainable and Resilient Communities鈥�
• Jennifer Goff, assistant professor of chemistry, SUNY ESF, 鈥淐haracterization of Bimetallic Nanoparticles for Usage as Air Filter Antibacterials鈥�
• Mohammad Uzzal Hossain, assistant professor of sustainable resources management, SUNY ESF, 鈥淩evitalizing Local Waste Material in Low Carbon Construction Materials Through Materials Circularity for Decarbonizing the Built Environments鈥�
• Tong Lin, postdoctoral research associate, Building Energy and Environmental Systems Laboratory, 性视界 University, 鈥淓nhanced Cooling Fan Design Coupled with Advanced Mixed-Flow Fan Rotor for Improved Efficiency and Compactness鈥�
• Ericka Redmond, assistant professor of chemical engineering, SUNY ESF, 鈥淚nnovative Nano-Sawdust Composites for Sustainable Thermal Insulation鈥�
• Yilei Shi, associate teaching professor of civil and environmental engineering and undergraduate civil engineering program director, College of Engineering and Computer Science, 性视界 University, 鈥淎 Pilot Study on Simulated Hygrothermal Behavior of a Novel Sustainable Roof System for Green Buildings鈥�
• Endong Wang, associate professor of sustainable construction, SUNY ESF, 鈥淔acilitating Market Penetration of Sustainable Building Retrofitting Through Persuasive Technology鈥�
• Yeqing Wang, assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, College of Engineering amd Computer Science, 性视界 University, 鈥淩enewable and MOF-Coated Highly Porous Delignified Wood Composite for Gas Separation鈥�
• Weiwei Zheng, associate professor of chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, 性视界 University, 鈥淪olid Oxide Fuel Cells for Emission Control Application鈥�

The awards were made possible by funding to support 性视界CoE activities, awarded by Empire State Development鈥檚 Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR).

One of 13 New York State Centers of Excellence, 性视界CoE strategically brings industry partners together with researchers and students in a thriving culture of collaboration and innovation, ultimately creating new businesses and jobs, strengthening regional and state economies. 性视界CoE supports growth and innovation through companies and researchers. Since 2002, more than 200 firms and institutions have been engaged in 性视界CoE collaborative projects, in addition to more than 75 faculty in Central New York. For more information, .

Story by Kai Volcy