Meet Susannah Olsonday, a Mechanical Engineering student at UC Davis who’s entering her final quarter and gearing up to graduate this December. Since January 2025, Susannah has been applying her engineering knowledge in a real-world setting as an Energy Engineering Intern with Facilities Management.

Susannah’s role focuses on making campus buildings more energy efficient. Using software like SkySpark and Thermoostat, she analyzes data from building systems — such as temperatures, airflow, CO₂ levels, and occupancy sensors — to identify potential heating and cooling issues. Her job is part detective work, part data science, and always rooted in sustainability.

One memorable moment came when she noticed a strange temperature spike in a building. After some data sleuthing, she discovered that a water cooler placed in front of a thermostat was triggering heat readings, causing unnecessary cooling cycles. “SkySpark showed a blip in the data every time the water cooler cycled on,” she explained. “The thermostat was reading 80 degrees and sending cool air, even though the room didn’t need it!”

In addition to her detective work with building data, Susannah also supports HVAC scheduling across campus. Most buildings are programmed to shut down heating and cooling at night and on weekends to save energy, but events outside regular hours require adjustments. Susannah reviews the university's online event calendar and updates HVAC schedules as needed, ensuring comfort and efficiency for everyone using the space.

For Susannah, the best part of the job is seeing a problem through from detection to resolution. “It’s rewarding to find a real issue and help fix it,” she shared. “Even when the process takes time, knowing you made something better is the best part.”

After graduation, Susannah hopes to pursue a career as a professional engineer with a focus on high-speed rail and sustainable infrastructure.

Outside of work and academics, she’s an avid reader and curious explorer — often trying new hobbies like knitting, photography, or even signing up for a dance class. “I love learning new things and just giving them a try,” she said.

With a strong commitment to sustainability and a creative spirit, Susannah is a shining example of the talent and passion that UC Davis students bring to campus and beyond.