ASHRAE announces recipients of the professional and college editions of DiscoverE’s New Faces of Engineering program, a national initiative designed to identify highly talented, up-and-coming engineers.

The competition’s professional edition recognizes the outstanding talents, skills and abilities of engineering leaders ages 30 or younger that significantly impact public welfare or further professional development and growth. The college edition honors the nation’s most promising third, fourth and fifth year engineering students.

“We are extremely proud, but not surprised, that Alyse and Michelle were recognized with these special honors,” said ASHRAE President Tim Wentz, Fellow ASHRAE, HBDP. “Their hard work and dedication to continue advancing our industry will serve them well as leaders of the next generation of engineers.”

ASHRAE member, Alyse Falconer, P.E., LEED, AP BD+C, has earned the professional edition award. Her work directly impacts the energy consumed across the country through her HVAC designs and focuses on energy conservation measures throughout schools, offices, hospitals and labs.

Falconer, who currently serves as Senior Mechanical Engineer for Interface Engineering, is the first person in her family to graduate from college and values the importance of being a role model to young, aspiring students.

“I impact people’s lives by creating the environment they occupy, by reducing energy consumption and carbon footprints of buildings all while being a female role model,” Falconer said in her submission. “I may have helped the students with their education, but they help me reprioritize, destress and understand the impact of giving back.”

Falconer also is heavily involved in volunteer work, including with a program called First Graduate, a non-profit in San Francisco, Calif. that helps students finish high school and become the first in their families to graduate from college. First Graduate requires a 10-year commitment from its volunteers to ensure children in 7th grade have the same influencers all the way through college graduation. Additionally, Falconer has served as the Young Engineers of ASHRAE (YEA) Chapter Chair for the Golden Gate Chapter for both the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 terms, and was awarded Best YEA Chapter Chair at Region X Chapters Regional Conference 2016 in Los Angeles.

University of Southern California student and ASHRAE member, Michelle Shadpour, has been selected as a winner for the program’s college edition. Through an internship, Shadpour has worked on net-zero energy projects, which only confirmed her environmental interests aligned professionally and personally.

“I am excited about my future as an engineer, because every day will present a new challenge that must be met with innovative solutions,” Shadpour said in her submission. “This is a field that demands continuous learning and application of technical knowledge, and while it might be tedious – to me it’s opportunity to make a difference.” 

DiscoverE is leading a growing volunteer movement that inspires and informs present and future generations to discover engineering. It also works to promote the profession through various programs and awards, such as the New Faces of Engineering Program. For more information, visit www.discovere.org. 

New Faces of Engineering, sponsored by DiscoverE, was first introduced by ASHRAE in 2003 and looks to recognize engineers ages 30 and below. The program provides incentives to college students who are active in the engineering industry and works to inspire younger students to consider a career in engineering.