Engineering the Future: Meet the Innovators Who Make It Happen (Part 3)

For the third installment of our blog series, we're excited to highlight another key player behind Resource Innovations’ (RI) energy efficiency programs. This time, we talked with Morgan Connelly, an engineer dedicated to driving large commercial and industrial lighting projects that help businesses reduce energy consumption and lower carbon emissions. From tackling technical challenges to collaborating with vendors and ensuring projects meet energy-saving targets, Morgan plays a vital role in advancing RI’s mission.  

Meet Morgan: Turning Bright Ideas into Energy Savings      

Q: Can you tell us a little about your background and what led you to your current role?

I earned my bachelor's degree in environmental engineering from the University at Buffalo in 2021, where I developed a deep interest in sustainability and the critical role engineering plays in tackling global environmental challenges. To further my expertise, I pursued a master's degree in environmental engineering and a Graduate Certificate in Climate and Engineering from Northeastern University, graduating in May 2023. This academic journey not only strengthened my knowledge of sustainable engineering practices but also solidified my passion for advancing clean energy solutions. That passion ultimately led me to my current role at RI, where I apply these principles to real-world energy efficiency projects.

Q: How does your work contribute to RI’s success and future goals?

My role at RI directly supports our mission to promote sustainability and reduce carbon emissions through energy efficiency. As part of a large commercial and industrial lighting program, I play a key role in reviewing and implementing projects that meet energy-saving targets. By managing the technical aspects of these projects, I help ensure they meet required standards while advancing RI's vision for a cleaner, more sustainable future. My work reinforces our commitment to creating positive environmental impact through energy efficiency, benefiting both our clients and the communities we serve.

Q: What’s the most rewarding part of working behind the scenes on energy solutions?

The most rewarding part of working behind the scenes is knowing that my contributions are driving positive, lasting change. I take pride in understanding how the technical work I do—reviewing projects and ensuring they meet energy-saving goals—not only reduces environmental impact but also helps our clients become more sustainable. It’s fulfilling to be part of a team that is truly making a difference, even if it’s from behind the scenes.

Q: What’s a little-known fact about your job that might surprise people?

A little-known fact about my job is that while engineering may seem purely technical, it actually involves a lot of collaboration and communication with team members, vendors, and clients. It’s not just about the numbers and savings—it’s about making sure everyone is aligned, adjusting plans when needed, and finding solutions that work for all parties. Coordinating across multiple stakeholders to ensure smooth project execution is often more complex than it appears, but it’s one of the aspects I really enjoy.

Q: What’s one project you’re especially proud of?

One project I’m especially proud of was a lighting upgrade at a university. I worked closely with my team members to scope the project in the field, documented the work, and input the data into the iEnergy portal to ensure everything was accurately captured. Watching the project move from concept to completion and successfully closing it was incredibly rewarding. It really showcased how hands-on involvement and attention to detail can make a direct impact on a project’s success.

Q: What excites you about the future of energy?

What excites me most about the future of energy is the growing potential for integrating renewable resources, energy efficiency technologies, and innovations in energy storage. As the world moves toward a more sustainable energy landscape, the demand for solutions that meet these evolving needs is rising. As an engineer working on energy efficiency projects, I see my role as crucial in helping businesses optimize their energy use and adopt cleaner, smarter solutions. Through my work on large commercial and industrial lighting systems, I’m excited to contribute to a broader shift towards sustainable energy practices and help clients reduce their environmental impact.

Q: If you had unlimited resources, what energy challenge would you solve?

If I had unlimited resources, I would focus on developing a highly efficient and cost-effective energy storage solution. Solar and wind energy are intermittent, and current storage technologies face limitations in scalability, efficiency, and cost. If we could develop a technology that stores large amounts of energy for extended periods with minimal loss, it would revolutionize renewable energy. This would make renewables more reliable and accessible to all, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and pave the way for a truly sustainable future.

Stay tuned for the final installment in our series, where we’ll highlight another engineer making an impact at RI.