Public Announcements

AEE PNW Chapter Scholarship applications for Fall 2026 now open until July 1st!

We are pleased to announce applications are once again open for the AEE PNWC Scholarships in Memory of Mark Nieman.

Applications for students pursuing education in energy engineering at a Seattle area school are now open through July 1st, 2026.

Please use this link to apply: AEE PNWC Fall 2026 Scholarship Application

Donations for the Scholarships can be given at the AEE Foundation web page, be sure to list AEE PNWC and/or in Memory of Mark Nieman for directed giving:

https://aeefoundation.org/#

AEE PNW Chapter Scholarship Recipients – Fall 2025

We are pleased to announce the Fall 2025 recipients of the AEE PNW Chapter Scholarship in memory of Mark Nieman:

·        Nathan Holterhoff (University of Washington)

·        Pao Lopa (South Seattle College)

Nathan Holterhoff

Nathan is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Electrical Engineering at the University of Washington in Seattle. His research focuses on energy systems, with an emphasis on industrial energy efficiency and the development of autonomous data-driven tools to reduce energy waste in real-world facilities. He has served as a teaching assistant for courses on renewable energy and energy systems, helping train the next generation of engineers. He has also mentored student teams designing low-cost sensor networks for campus buildings, worked with researchers on compressed gas leak detection, and collaborated with industry partners to translate ideas into implementation.

Pao Lopa

Pao is currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Applied Science in Sustainable Building Science Technology program at South Seattle College. This program focuses on energy efficiency, building systems, and sustainable practices in construction and building management. Pao is currently working as an HVAC building mechanic for a K–12 school district, managing the daily operation and maintenance of building systems. This hands-on experience has shown the importance of sustainable solutions in energy usage, building performance, and long-term cost savings.

Funding for Industrial energy assessments unfrozen, 10 sites needed before Jan. 2026

On September 11th University of Washington Industrial Training and Assessment Center (UW ITAC) was contacted by the DOE and our funding has been unfrozen, with the expectation that we complete 10 energy assessments by January 1^st. We would like to collaborate with AEE PNW and any of its partner organizations on as many assessments as possible before this deadline. 

Small to medium sized manufacturers are sought for assessments ASAP. Criteria are the following:

North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes:

1. Agriculture: 112*, 115*, 211*,
2. Mining: 212*
3. Wastewater: 2213*
4. Manufacturing: 31*, 32*, and 33*.

Number of Employees: Under 500 employees per site.

Energy Bills: Utility bills above $100k. This includes electricity, natural gas, waste, etc..

Gross Annual Sales: Less than $100M based on the entire manufacturing firm/entity.

Let us know if you need any additional information from us to get this kickstarted.

Thank you,

Maxwell Stafford, UW ITAC Group Lead

[email protected]

University of Washington Launches Student AEE Chapter, collaborations with small, medium manufacturers sought for ITAC

From Max Stafford, President of the University of Washington AEE Chapter, formed in December 2024:

AEE UW Student Chapter

The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) Student Chapter connects students passionate about energy efficiency, sustainability, and renewable technologies. Members engage with industry professionals, gain hands-on experience, and develop energy management skills through workshops, guest lectures, site tours, and projects. The chapter promotes innovation and leadership, preparing students to address real-world energy challenges and succeed in energy engineering careers.

We are inviting industry members to give seminar talks to our students. In November, PAE presented a seminar on the new Interdisciplinary Engineering Building, which was attended by about 30 students. If you’re interested in delivering an informational talk about your work, please email Max Stafford at [email protected] to arrange a meeting to discuss the topic and schedule.

UW Industrial Training & Assessment Center (ITAC)

The UW Industrial Training & Assessment Center (link) helps small and medium-sized U.S. manufacturers save energy, improve productivity, and reduce waste through no-cost technical assessments conducted by university-based teams of engineering students and faculty. Examples of eligible manufacturers include those in agriculture, aerospace, wastewater treatment, concrete manufacturing, and more.

Eligible manufacturers can also use our assessment report to apply for the ITAC Implementation Grant (link), which provides up to $300,000 per recommendation with a 50% cost share.

We are looking for:

1. Small to medium-sized manufacturers to assess (eligibility details here).
2. Industry collaborators to join our assessments, provide insights on energy-saving recommendations, or offer additional benefits to manufacturers.

If you are interested in either of these opportunities, please email us at [email protected].

AEE PNW Chapter Scholarship Recipients – Fall 2024

We are pleased to announce the Fall 2024 recipients of the AEE PNW Chapter Scholarship in memory of Mark Nieman: 

·        Valeria Tjoa (South Seattle College)

·         Denis Tiscenco (South Seattle College)

Valeria Tjoa 

Valeria is an international student pursuing a bachelor's in Sustainable Building Science Technology at South Seattle College. Valeria's volunteer experience includes working with the Northwest Ecobuilding Guild for their NW Green Home Tour event and upcoming NW Green Building Slam. In the future she has aspirations as a designer to create sustainable and well-designed spaces for the community.

Denis Tiscenco 

Denis is pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Sustainable Building Science Technology. His past experiences include obtaining Grade II Boiler Operator's License, EPA Refrigeration Certification, and Facilities Management Certificate, and as a Watch Stander at the Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center. His career goals include understanding how to optimize building performance and energy efficiency, as well as promoting environmental sustainability and enhancing occupant comfort and well-being.

AEE PNW Chapter Scholarship Recipients – December 2023

We are pleased to announce the Winter 2023 recipients of the AEE PNW Chapter Scholarship in memory of Mark Nieman: 

·        Juan De Jesus Diaz (North Seattle College)

·        Valeria Tjoa (South Seattle College)

·        Charles Santos (South Seattle College)

Juan De Jesus Diaz

Juan is in his first quarter at North Seattle College and hopes to obtain a mechatronics certificate. His former experience includes military service and working in the field IT. His goals are to apply to the Boeing apprenticeship program and complete a bachelor’s degree at Central Washington University.

Valeria Tjoa 

Valeria is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Sustainable Building Science Technology (SBST) at South Seattle College, having previously completed an AAS degree in Architectural Technology from Lake Washington Institute of Technology in 2022. Valeria would like to achieve the LEED AP certification and become a designer creating more sustainable and well-designed spaces for the community.

Charles Santos 

Charles is pursuing a bachelor's in Sustainable building Science technology at South Seattle College. Charles’ previous experience includes facilities management, and his goal is to be involved in the design of buildings of the future to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In Memorial to AEE PNWC Past President Mark Nieman, P.E., C.E.M., B.E.P

With great sadness we share the news that our chapter Past President Mark Nieman perished in a vehicle accident on June 30^th, 2023. Mark has been a mentor to many of us in the field of energy engineering, and the sudden loss of his leadership in our profession is a hard one. His enthusiasm and thoughtful approach for planning meetings and giving presentations as well as the broad network of speakers with whom he connected us has been a source for many lively and insightful conversations held in our chapter activities.

Our chapter Board was in the midst of setting up a student scholarship when we lost Mark. In recognition of his contributions to our profession and organization, we name them as the AEE Pacific Northwest Chapter Student Scholarships in Memory of Mark Nieman.

Mark earned his Certified Energy Manager (CEM) and Business Energy Professional (BEP) certifications by early 2005 which he put to good use throughout his 26 years at McKinstry. After attending a few chapter meetings, in 2015 Mark became a member of AEE and the Pacific Northwest Chapter. By 2017 he joined the chapter leadership as Board Member At-Large, then became Vice President in 2018 and officially President in 2020. Mark’s leadership to maintain continuity for chapter activities through the Covid-19 pandemic has been vital, even in his final stretch as Past President since 2022.

Mark had a passion for Legos and took the opportunity when facilitating virtual Board meetings from home to show his latest Lego world-building. His earnest sense of play when teaching made information easy to comprehend and then take action on. In honor of his memory, we hope to do the same.

Links for more information:

For scholarship donations: through the AEE Foundation, specifying AEE Pacific Northwest Chapter in the Notes and/or in Memory of Mark Nieman: https://portal.aeecenter.org/i4a/forms/index.cfm?id=293

Scholarship Application Form, extended due date 15 October 2023: AEE PNWC Scholarship Application

Mark’s presentation on Energy Impacts of Covid-19 (at about 31 minutes): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbpQHhmu2rw

McKinstry page: https://www.mckinstry.com/remembering-the-life-of-mark-nieman-2/

For more information:

Soph Davenberry, AEE PNWC Vice President

[email protected]

mobile: 206.612.2795