David C.J. Peters left a lasting impact on Southland Industries, not only through his technical expertise and innovations but also through his dedication to recruiting and mentoring promising engineering students. As Senior Vice President, his forward-looking vision for engineering served as an inspiration to many. After his passing in 2011, the ASHRAE David C.J. Peters Scholarship was established to honor his legacy and recognize his commitment to empowering young engineers. This scholarship has since been awarded to some of the most promising talents in the field, allowing them to carry forward Dave's vision for the future of engineering.
Geoffrey Sanderson, an architectural engineering student at the University of Nebraska, was recently awarded the 2024–2025 scholarship.
How have you applied your engineering degree to take innovative steps in your career, personal life, or education?
My engineering degree has allowed me to take innovative strides in several areas, particularly focusing on sustainability in HVAC&R systems. Through my internships and academic projects, I've explored the practical implementation of energy-efficient mechanical systems aimed at reducing carbon emissions. I've also been intrigued by plant-based technologies and their potential for controlling humidity in buildings. This mix of technical knowledge and a desire to explore outside-the-box solutions has helped me align with Dave Peters' philosophy of pushing the boundaries of engineering.
How do you plan to leverage your engineering degree to build stronger relationships within the AEC industry?
I aim to build relationships across all levels of the AEC industry by fostering collaboration between design engineers, fabrication teams, and field professionals. By understanding the practical challenges faced onsite, I can tailor my designs to be more effective and adaptable. This approach aligns with Dave Peters' emphasis on valuing the expertise of all team members, ensuring that engineering solutions are not only innovative but also practical and efficient.
How have you seen communication play a role in your education and degree path so far?
Communication has been key throughout my engineering education, especially in leadership roles within student chapters of organizations like ASHRAE. Whether working on group projects or leading initiatives, I've learned that clear communication helps bridge the gap between theoretical designs and practical implementation. This is crucial for ensuring that all stakeholders are on the same page and that innovative ideas are understood and executed effectively.
How does your engineering degree equip you to continuously enhance your skills and expertise?
My engineering degree has provided me with a strong foundation in sustainable building practices, allowing me to stay at the forefront of innovations in energy efficiency. Through coursework, research, and industry internships, I've developed a mindset of continuous learning — whether that's exploring new technologies like AI in smart buildings or finding ways to make existing systems more eco-friendly. This aligns with Dave Peters' belief that research is key to driving innovation.
What does design-build mean to you?
To me, design-build represents a holistic approach to construction where collaboration is essential from the project's inception to its completion. It emphasizes the integration of all disciplines to ensure that designs not only meet technical requirements, but are also executed efficiently and effectively. This method fosters innovation and streamlines communication, which is crucial for successful project outcomes.
What values do you believe are relevant to why you chose engineering, and how will you apply them to your future career?
Integrity, sustainability, and problem-solving are core values that guided my decision to pursue engineering. I believe in creating solutions that balance innovation with environmental stewardship, and I plan to apply these values by continuing to work on projects that reduce carbon footprints while ensuring accessibility and practicality for all communities.
What is the most important trait an engineer can possess, and why?
Adaptability is the most important trait an engineer can possess. The field of engineering is constantly evolving, with new challenges and technologies emerging. Being adaptable allows engineers to embrace change, learn new skills, and find creative solutions to complex problems, all while maintaining a commitment to quality and sustainability.
How do you plan to invest in younger generations pursuing an engineering career?
I am passionate about mentoring future engineers and plan to invest in younger generations through student organizations like ASHRAE. I believe that sharing knowledge, offering guidance, and creating opportunities for hands-on learning can inspire the next generation to take on the challenges facing our industry with enthusiasm and innovation.
What excites you most about pursuing a career in engineering?
The opportunity to create tangible, positive change excites me most about engineering. Whether it's through developing sustainable systems or finding ways to mitigate the impact of natural disasters, the chance to solve real-world problems and leave a lasting impact on communities drives my passion for the field.
How would you describe engineering in one word, and why?
Progressive. Engineering is about constant advancement, finding better, more sustainable, and more efficient ways to solve problems. It embodies innovation and the drive to push boundaries, which is why I find it so exciting and rewarding.
Geoffrey's passion for engineering, combined with his dedication to sustainability, innovation, and mentorship, exemplifies the values that David C.J. Peters championed throughout his career. As the 2024 ASHRAE David C.J. Peters Scholarship winner, Geoffrey is poised to make significant contributions to the AEC industry while continuing to honor Dave's legacy.
Geoffrey's research presentation.
Geoffrey with Dr. Waters and Dr. Wang at the Durham School AE&C Conference.
Bridging the Gap competition at the AEI Conference.
Geoffrey with fellow interns.
NAESC Engineering Leadership Summit in 2022.
Senior Content Marketing Strategist
As Senior Content Marketing Strategist for Southland Industries, Lindsay Janssen manages the content lifecycle. From ideation, creation, and editing through distribution, measurement and maintenance, and creating content strategy, Lindsay develops new and innovative ideas for Southland's digital channels.
