Alumni and Friends Making an Impact

David Albrecht thought that as a future engineer, his work would be technical and formulaic. Through his experiences at the University of Dayton, though, he discovered something more — the humanity of engineering in serving the common good.

Albrecht, a senior mechanical engineering major, was exposed to ethics, sustainability and human rights through his coursework and a study abroad in Chile. He had opportunities to apply his skills with UD’s Aero Design Club, as a tutor, and during internships with GE Aerospace and Duke Energy Corp.

But it was his time in Chile that was the catalyst in forming his identity as an engineer, infusing it with a bigger sense of purpose. There, as a part of a program on human rights and sustainability, he found inspiration in learning firsthand from people who served others through Chile’s dictatorial period and into the present day.

“It really got me thinking hard about the impact of my career,” Albrecht said. “I want to be confident that what I do as a professional is helping people, not just making profit.”

That realization helped focus his sights on the energy sector. One of his professors sent an email about UD’s Industrial Training and Assessment Center, a program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy to provide organizations with free energy assessments. Albrecht quickly followed up, applied and landed the role of energy engineer — a student job with real-world experience.

With ITAC, Albrecht analyzes the operations of industrial and commercial clients and recommends ways to improve efficiency. He works on energy systems in warehouses and schools, applying engineering principles beyond the classroom, and sees immediate, tangible results.

The work is a win-win — the organization saves money and its reduced energy consumption improves sustainability. And a third win goes to Albrecht, who benefits from the experience.

“Students get a chance to use their fundamental engineering background and see how it applies to real life,” said Andrew Chiasson, ITAC’s assistant director and professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, who introduced Albrecht to the Center. “They go into facilities, analyze energy use and recommend solutions that can have an immediate impact. It’s job-ready experience that makes them stand out to employers.”

“It’s job-ready experience that makes [students] stand out to employers.”

Jun-Ki Choi, ITAC director, nominated Albrecht for the 2025 Professor Henry Chuang Award of Excellence in Energy Conservation and Waste Management. While the winner hasn't been announced yet, Choi said the nomination is a testament to Albrecht's accomplishments in ITAC, research, leadership and overall exemplary performance as a student.

Albrecht found himself drawing on his ITAC experience in job interviews. He said it provided him context on energy consumption in homes compared to industry while also learning common and best practices in energy efficiency.

He has since secured a full-time position after graduation with Duke Energy in Charlotte, North Carolina, and credits his success to the support and open doors he’s found at UD.

“The opportunity to work in the field, go on the trip, gain experience — it all was possible here,” Albrecht said.