O&M for High-Performance Laboratories: Changing the Paradigm of Competence and Culture

Biographies:

Jeffrey Seewald is a licensed professional engineer who brings nearly 20 years of experience in commercial building systems applications engineering and systems optimization to the Building Intelligence Group.

He is experienced with integrated controls, HVAC systems and equipment, building systems applications engineering, and IT networks. Mr. Seewald's work at Building Intelligence Group spans the spectrum from technical analysis and engineering design for building owners, to industry and market research, to education and advocacy for intelligent buildings. Mr. Seewald's overall goal is to provide clients with research, analysis, and solutions to help them achieve greater levels of functionality, efficiency, and intelligence in buildings.

Prior to joining the Building Intelligence Group, Mr. Seewald led the definition, development, and deployment of next generation Web-based building automation products and enterprise systems. He has also worked on product marketing, engineering, support of building systems and applications, and the development of HVAC equipment, applying engineering analysis in heat transfer and fluid dynamics. Mr. Seewald holds several patents for inventions related to HVAC equipment and building automation and controls. 

Throughout his professional life, Mr. Seewald's work reflects a passion for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainability. Mr. Seewald earned his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from The Pennsylvania State University.

Peter Crabtree is the dean of Career & Technical Education at Laney College. Mr. Crabtree has led career technical education programs for over 25 years. At Laney, he was the Principal Investigator (PI) of a successful National Science Foundation (NSF) Advanced Technology Education (ATE) grant, “Environmental Control Technology Education for Advanced Building Operation and Management” and now serves as the PI for an NSF ATE renewal grant, “Educating Technicians for Building Automation and Sustainability.” He also manages the Oakland Green Jobs Corps, preparing urban youth in clean energy careers, and a new interdisciplinary Building Energy Services program for young adults.

Charles B Frost, Jr. is an engineer with 30 years of experience building systems in nuclear, laboratory, and conventional facilities. He was employed at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) for 28 years before joining University of California-Berkeley in 2008. As adjunct instructor at Laney College in the Environmental Control Program, he teaches advanced courses in HVAC and building automation systems. In his present position as a senior facilities engineer, he oversees the maintenance and operation of 10 laboratory buildings for the Physics and Chemistry Departments. Mr. Frost is a key partner in Laney's NSF project on "Educating Technicians for Building Automation and Sustainability."