ASHRAE UoS Kickstart Event

The ASHRAE Student Branch at the University of Strathclyde is pleased to invite students and academic staff to our Kickstart Event, marking the start of a new programme of activities for the Student Branch.

The event is designed to welcome newly recruited members, engage existing members, introduce the work of ASHRAE, and bring together students, academic staff and professionals from across the University.

It will provide an opportunity to learn more about ASHRAE, meet members of the Student Branch, hear from an ASHRAE Vice President, take part in discussions with experienced academics, and help shape the future direction of the Branch.

What to Expect

The event will include:

• Welcome and introduction to the ASHRAE Student Branch at the University of Strathclyde.
• Keynote address by Prof Mahroo Eftekhari, ASHRAE Vice President, on The Value of ASHRAE: Developing the Next Generation of Built Environment Engineers.
• Introduction to ASHRAE student membership, including the benefits and opportunities available to students.
• Professional Perspectives Panel on Research, Industry and Professional Development through ASHRAE, bringing together academics and ASHRAE members from different disciplines.
• Election of the Student Branch Board of Officials, giving members the opportunity to contribute to the leadership and development of the Branch.
• Raffle draw, with 10 students having the opportunity to receive reimbursement of their ASHRAE membership fees.
• Networking and refreshments, providing an informal opportunity to meet fellow students, academic staff and ASHRAE members.

Keynote Speaker

Prof Mahroo Eftekhari

ASHRAE Vice President
Professor of Building Services Engineering, Loughborough University

Prof Mahroo Eftekhari is a Professor of Building Services Engineering at Loughborough University and an active member of the professional engineering community. She is a Fellow of ASHRAE and CIBSE and has extensive experience in building services engineering, energy performance and the development of the next generation of built environment professionals.

Keynote Address

The Value of ASHRAE: Developing the Next Generation of Built Environment Engineers

The keynote will explore how professional engagement through ASHRAE can support students in developing the knowledge, skills and professional networks needed for careers in the built environment.

The presentation will highlight the value of connecting academic learning with professional practice, interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with the wider engineering community. It will also introduce the opportunities available to students through active participation in ASHRAE and its global network.

Professional Perspectives Panel

Research, Industry and Professional Development through ASHRAE

The panel will bring together academic staff and ASHRAE members from different disciplines to discuss how students can benefit from professional networks, interdisciplinary collaboration, research and industry engagement.

Chair: Dr Carolina Recart, ASHRAE Student Branch Staff Advisor

Shaping the Student Branch

A central part of the Kickstart Event will be the election of the Student Branch Board of Officials.

This will give members the opportunity to take an active role in the Branch and contribute to its activities, events and future development. Students will also be introduced to the Branch’s plans for the coming academic year, including competitions, professional development activities, networking events and other opportunities.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday 23 September 2026
Location: Learning and Teaching Building, Jocelyn Bell-Burnell Wing (TL JB329)
University of Strathclyde, Glasgow

The event is open to ASHRAE Student Branch members, students interested in ASHRAE, academic staff, and ASHRAE members across the University.

Whether you are a new member, an existing member, or simply interested in learning more about ASHRAE, this event is an opportunity to connect with the Student Branch, meet fellow students and academics, and get involved in shaping its future.

Join us and be part of the next chapter of the University of Strathclyde ASHRAE Student Branch.