Scholarship Success Story

In 1996, Jason Hugenroth had received his bachelors and masters in mechanical engineering from Louisiana State University. Jason worked on scroll compressor development for 6 years after receiving his masters. Most people would have stopped there. But Jason was eager to advance his education even further. He set his sights on a PhD from Purdue University.

So far, Jason had been able to manage the cost of his education. The only problem was, how was he going to pay for his advanced degree? Jason applied to ASHRAE for support for his studies. He won the Willis H. Carrier Fellowship from the ASHRAE Foundation, which was critically important in helping him complete his PhD. The fellowship was created to assist graduate research students with their studies at Purdue University's Herrick Labs. It was converted in 2006 to two one-year $10,000 undergraduate engineering scholarships awarded annually and available to students meeting the Society's scholarship criteria. It didn't take long after receiving his PhD in 2006 for Jason to apply his education to pursuits that dovetail with ASHRAE's mission of advancing the art and science of HVAC&R engineering. Jason is a licensed professional engineer with years of experience in compressor and thermal systems research and development. He holds more than 50 patents in compressor and thermal system technology.

In 2007 he started his own company called Inventherm based in Baton Rouge, LA. Inventherm is a consulting and technology development company that serves the HVAC&R industry as well as the medical, aerospace, defense, automotive, and energy sectors. Inventherm specializes in thermal-fluid science and machine design with an emphasis on positive displacement compressors and thermal systems, such as novel refrigeration technology and power generation.

Inventherm has developed solar powered refrigeration for mobile vending applications. His company is currently working on a project for the U.S. Army developing carbon dioxide refrigeration systems.

In addition to Jason's contributions to the HVAC&R industry, Jason is a member of the Baton Rouge chapter of ASHRAE and is a corresponding member on Technical Committee 8.1 Positive Displacement Compressors. He attends ASHRAE national meetings as his busy schedule permits. The conferences have been a great place to network and see the latest developments at the ASHRAE Expo.

Jason's story is remarkable, but not unusual for recipients of educational assistance provided by the ASHRAE Foundation. Recipients of ASHRAE scholarships and fellowships make a significant difference for ASHRAE and the HVAC&R industry.

So, how are noteworthy stories like Jason Hugenroth's made possible? It is from gifts like yours. Every contribution from ASHRAE members and friends make a difference in the lives of individuals and in advancing the HVAC&R profession. Please think about how you can help make stories like Jason's possible when you consider your priorities for year-end giving in 2014.