By: Daniel Franco
Event Highlights
On May 26, 2026, the CUNY Building Performance Lab hosted its annual ECMR Student Showcase at The City College of New York, bringing together students, faculty, industry professionals, city agencies and community partners. The event also provided ECMR students with a valuable opportunity to connect with employers and professionals working in the energy efficiency, weatherization, and building performance sectors.
The showcase provided students with the opportunity to present research focused on weatherization measures that can support and enhance Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) objectives. Through presentations and discussions, participants explored emerging solutions in retro-commissioning, steam heating system conversions, building envelope improvements, and grid flexibility in response to increasing building electrification.
In addition to the student presentations, attendees benefited from the insights and expertise of industry professionals and program alumni. These experts shared their experiences working in the field, discussed current industry trends and workforce needs, and offered guidance to students interested in pursuing careers in building performance, energy efficiency, sustainability, and weatherization.
Opening Remarks
The event began with welcoming remarks from Paul Reale, Director of Operations, Research and Training at the CUNY Building Performance Lab. He highlighted the importance of ECMR’s workforce development efforts in meeting the growing demand for skilled professionals to support the Weatherization Program and New York State’s building decarbonization goals.
Following Paul Reale, Samantha Pearce, Vice President of Sustainability at New York State Homes and Community Renewal (NYS HCR), addressed attendees. Drawing on more than fifteen years of experience in the field, Samantha delivered an inspiring message to students. She shared that the path to success is rarely a straight line and often includes unexpected challenges and opportunities. However, with dedication and passion, individuals can overcome obstacles and build rewarding careers.
And lastly, Michael Bobker, Founding Director of the CUNY Building Performance Lab, reflected on the importance of the ECMR program in supporting workforce development and innovation within the Weatherization Assistance Program. He emphasized the value of student research in bringing fresh perspectives and new ideas to the weatherization field, helping to identify opportunities for program improvement and innovation.
Student Presentations
The showcase featured students presenting research on weatherization measures to support and strengthen Weatherization Assistance Programs.
i) Commissioning and Tuning Methods
Serita Alexander, a Mechanical Engineering student at New York City College of Technology, presented research on commissioning and tuning strategies for building systems. Her work demonstrated how targeted diagnostics and system optimization can improve heating performance, reduce fuel consumption, enhance occupant comfort, and extend equipment life.
ii) Steam-to-Hot-Water Conversion
Ziad Attia, a Mechanical Engineering student at The City College of New York, examined the conversion of traditional steam heating systems to hot-water systems. His research highlighted opportunities to improve energy efficiency, increase operational control, and create pathways for future building electrification.
iii) Exterior Insulation for Masonry Buildings
Eric Awale, who holds a Master of Science in Sustainability in the Urban Environment from The City College of New York, explored exterior insulation strategies for existing masonry buildings. The project evaluated methods for improving thermal performance in difficult-to-insulate buildings (brick buildings), reducing energy consumption, and increasing occupant comfort.
iv) Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings (GEBs)
Daniel Franco, an Electrical Engineering student at The City College of New York, presented on Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings (GEBs). His research explored how advanced controls, automation systems, and demand-response technologies can optimize energy use, reduce peak demand, and strengthen overall grid resilience.
Alumni Perspectives
A special segment of the showcase highlighted the accomplishments of program alumni who have successfully transitioned into careers within the energy and sustainability sector.
Akissi Reine shared how the ECMR program helped open doors to professional opportunities and provided a strong foundation for her career. She discussed her work as an Energy Analyst and Sustainability Professional focused on building performance and decarbonization solutions.
Elsuida Hoxha discussed her experience as an Energy Analyst specializing in building energy performance, HVAC systems, sustainability compliance, and green building practices. She highlighted how the skills developed through the program continue to support her professional growth.
Alex Diaz-Casos, an alumnus of the Urban Sustainability Program at The City College of New York, reflected on how participating in the ECMR program helped launch his career and ultimately led to a position at Bright Power.
Poster Showcase and Networking
Following the presentations, attendees moved into the poster session, where students stood alongside their projects and engaged directly with participants.The poster showcase created an interactive environment where students could receive feedback from experienced professionals, answer technical questions, and gain new perspectives on their work. At the same time, attendees had the opportunity to learn about innovative approaches being developed by the next generation of building performance professionals.
The session also served as an important networking opportunity, allowing students to establish connections with engineers, program managers, consultants, contractors, and sustainability professionals who share a commitment to advancing energy efficiency and building decarbonization. Many students were able to discuss potential career opportunities and learn more about the skills and qualifications sought by employers in the field.
Featured Industry Speakers
Following the poster session, Asit Patel, Senior Director of Technical Services at the Association for Energy Affordability (AEA), a Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) subgrantee in the Bronx, and Tristan Schwartzman, Director of Energy Services at Goldman Copeland Associates, shared insights from their professional experience and delivered remarks highlighting the broader impact of weatherization and energy efficiency programs. Asit emphasized that weatherization extends beyond reducing energy consumption and lowering utility costs; it also plays a critical role in improving occupant comfort, health, and safety. Because people spend a significant portion of their lives inside homes and buildings, investments in building performance can have meaningful effects on quality of life and overall well-being. Tristan shared that he previously worked at the CUNY Building Performance Lab, explaining how that early experience helped shape and guide the initial stages of his career in building performance and energy efficiency.
Looking Ahead
The event concluded with closing remarks from Yasmeen Khan, Director of ECMR, who expressed appreciation to the students, faculty, partners, and industry representatives whose participation made the showcase a success. She highlighted the continued growth of the ECMR program and its commitment to developing the skilled workforce needed to support the expanding weatherization program and New York City’s ambitious decarbonization goals.
The Student Showcase not only celebrated the accomplishments of current students but also demonstrated the value of collaboration between educational institutions, government agencies, and industry partners. As Weatherization Assistance Programs continue to expand and require a skilled workforce, and as New York advances its ambitious climate, energy efficiency, and building decarbonization goals, programs such as ECMR play an increasingly important role in preparing the next generation of building performance professionals.