Armando Casillas of the Building Technology and Urban Systems Division in the Energy Technologies Area, has worked at the Lab for a little over one year. He is a Scientific Engineering Associate working on a few projects related to grid-interactive efficient buildings. Casillas is partnering with other national labs to improve fault detection and diagnostic algorithms for heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and helping with the development of demand flexibility metrics for commercial buildings. These efforts help in the development of buildings that are intelligent and aware of electric grid energy supply and that reduce their consumption along the way.
As part of Latin American Heritage Month, Casillas answers three questions for Elements:
Are there parts of your culture that you draw from to inform your work at the Lab?
I believe one of the things that has served me well is growing up a person of color in a disadvantaged community. I am of the belief that my work should always be able to help underrepresented people and disadvantaged communities. My work in clean energy and energy efficiency aligns with these values.
What are some of your favorite ways to connect with your culture?
Food food food! I love calling my mom up for her recipes of some of my favorite childhood dishes and visiting Bay Area Mexican restaurants.
Who are some of your cultural role models?
Benito Juarez, the first indigenous president of Mexico. I love his belief that the foundation of peace is mutual respect for others and their rights as human beings.
Want to connect with or support Latin American and Native American employees at the Lab? Consider joining the LANA Employee Resource Group.
LANA is hosting Cafecito Social Hours on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. throughout Latin American Heritage Month. Add them to your calendar: