Tom Lawrence, mechanical engineering program coordinator in the University of Georgia College of Engineering, has been named a director-at-large of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
With more than 55,000 members from 132 nations, ASHRAE represents building system design and industrial processes professionals around the world. ASHRAE is dedicated to the advancement of research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education of the sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration.
“I am honored to be elected to the board of this diverse, international organization,” said Lawrence. “ASHRAE has evolved and expanded in scope to become a major player in the area of sustainable buildings and the built environment. I have enjoyed my role in playing a part in that evolution, and I look forward to the opportunity to have a larger contribution in helping to guide ASHRAE’s future direction.”
A member of the UGA faculty since 2004, Lawrence holds a bachelor’s in environmental science from Purdue University, a master’s in mechanical engineering from Oregon State University, a master’s in engineering management from Washington University and a doctorate in mechanical engineering from Purdue. His areas of teaching and research include green buildings, the smart grid and building energy management, HVAC systems and energy informatics. As a Distinguished Lecturer for ASHRAE, he has presented on these topics at 27 countries around the globe.
“Serving as an ASHRAE director-at-large will allow me to increase the visibility of the College of Engineering and the University of Georgia across the nation and around the world,” said Lawrence.
As a director-at-large, Lawrence will serve on the ASHRAE Board of Directors and on the Technical Activities and Environmental Health Committees. He will serve a three-year term.
