Beth Mielbrecht, Project Coordinator, brings extensive experience in secondary education and the automotive racing industry to Taitem Engineering. As manager of the training department, Beth oversees development and delivery of training for the New York Department of Housing and Community Development’s Weatherization Assistance Program. Beth has a B.Eng. in mechanical engineering and a B.A. in literature, both from Stevens Institute of Technology.
Crista Shopis, LEED AP, Project Engineer, works on a variety of design projects, with a focus on HVAC engineering. She has also designed and installed photovoltaic systems. While a member of the Peace Corps in Paraguay, Crista designed and managed construction of running water systems. In May 2009, Crista received national recognition for her work from Consulting Specifying Engineer Magazine as on of their “40 Under 40″ outstanding young engineers. She has a Bachelor of Science, Civil and Environmental Engineering from Cornell University.
Dan Cogan, Senior Engineer, is the leader of Taitem’s work as the statewide quality assurance consultant for NYSERDA’s multifamily energy programs. Dan has expertise in energy audits in multifamily buildings, and has conducted research in the area of ventilation in multifamily buildings. Dan has an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering from University of California, Berkeley, and a Masters in Environmental Engineering from Cornell University. Outside of his work at Taitem, Dan is an elected member of the City of Ithaca Common Council.
Dominick DeLucia, Mechanical Designer, supports Taitem’s Design department with his expertise and experience in 2-D and 3-D drafting and modeling. He has worked in a variety of production settings, including higher education and manufacturing, and has experience on several LEED projects. Dom has an associates degree from Onondaga Community College.
Evan Hallas, Energy Technician, participates in Taitem’s energy and research projects, including quality assurance for NYSERDA’s multifamily energy programs. Evan has a B.S. in Environmental Science with a focus on Ecological Design from the University of Vermont.
Francis Vanek, PhD, Senior Engineer, consults for Taitem in the areas of alternative energy for transportation and renewable energy systems. Francis has bachelors degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Asian Studies from Cornell University, Masters and PhD in Systems Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania.
Fred Schwartz, Senior Engineer, has worked on a variety of design and energy projects, including Taitem’s projects for Tompkins County, the Ithaca Sciencenter Museum, the Oneida Indian Nation, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the Oneida Indian Nation, and for housing authorities in Ithaca, Batavia, Watervliet, Rome, and Tioga/Bradford Counties in Pennsylvania. He is well known in the Ithaca area as the previous owner of F.E. Schwartz, a plumbing/heating/air-conditioning contracting business. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering from Cornell University.
Ian Shapiro, PE, LEED AP, President, started Taitem Engineering in 1989. Prior to that, he worked for seven years at Carrier Corporation in Syracuse, where he designed heat pumps and air conditioning equipment. He was also Senior Engineer on several research projects evaluating advanced equipment such as integrated boilers, absorption chiller/heaters, and heat recovery ventilators, and holds eight patents from this work. Since starting Taitem Engineering, he has worked on over 150 design projects, published several articles and given workshops in the area of energy and ventilation. He has also led the development of several computer programs which are used in the HVAC, energy, and indoor air quality fields, including TREAT (Targeted Residential Energy Analysis Tools), IAQ-TOOLS, Ventilation Tools (software for compliance with ASHRAE standard 62), and Indoor Humidity Tools. Ian served for two years on the 21-CR Indoor Environmental Quality Subcommittee of the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology Institute’s 21-CR research program. He holds an undergraduate degree from McGill University, and an M.S. from Columbia University, both in mechanical engineering. Ian is a licensed engineer in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.
Jan Schwartzberg, Information Manager, performs a wide range of technical and administrative activities. Her responsibilities include network and server management, hardware and software maintenance, and technical writing. Jan earned her BA from McGill University and attended graduate school at Cornell University.
Javier E. Rosa, PE, Senior Engineer, has been doing structural engineering design since 1993. His structural engineering work at Taitem Engineering has included work on both low-rise and multistory industrial, commercial, and residential projects. Javier has provided expert testimony in analyzing structural problems, and recommending solutions to remedy deficiencies, on several projects. He has also worked on a variety of historic preservation projects. Javier studied Civil Engineering, and previously worked at Ray Architects and Engineers in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Javier has also worked on energy audits, heating and lighting design.
Jim Holahan, Energy Technician, conducts energy audits and contributes to various research projects. He brings broad experience in the green building field to Taitem, including wood and metal fabrication and construction/renovation project management. Jim has B.S. from SUNY Empire State College in Business, Management, and Economics.
Kapil Varshney, Ph.D., Research Engineer, leads Taitem’s research efforts. Dr. Varshney is currently studying energy-efficient homes through a method known as co-heat testing, and is leading a project examining the U-value of windows. He previously has studied wind turbines using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and flow visualization methods. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts.
Lou Vogel, PE, LEED AP, Vice President, has worked on a variety of design and energy projects, including energy audits at a psychiatric hospital and in several high-rise multifamily buildings. His areas of expertise include boilers, chillers, and air systems. Lou has worked on projects in schools, commercial buildings, and multifamily buildings. He has served on ASHRAE standards and handbook committees in the area of kitchen ventilation. He holds a degree in engineering from Purdue University.
Myron Walter, Senior Electrical Engineer, brings many years of experience as an electrical engineer and contractor to Taitem Engineering. As the founder and president of his own electrical contracting company, Myron specialized in commercial and industrial design/build projects, consulting with engineers and architects on electrical design projects. He has also worked as a construction administrator and electrical design engineer for a prominent central NY firm, specializing in education projects and overseeing project administrative issues during construction, electrical design of projects ranging from small alteration projects to new construction with electrical contracts of several million dollars. Mr. Walter holds associates degrees from Tompkins Cortland Community College and is a licensed master electrician.
Nate Goodell, Project Engineer, is a recent graduate of Cornell University with a Bachelors in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Before joining Taitem, Nate was employed at ABM Mechanical, where he worked on report generation, air balancing, electrical and mechanical design projects, trouble shooting, submittals, heat-exchange calculations, webpage design, fieldwork, service work, and equipment sizing. Nate’s current focus is on energy modeling of buildings.
Rob Rosen, Energy Analyst, joined Taitem as a programmer, working on the user interface of the award-winning TREAT software and providing technical support. His responsibilities have expanded to all areas of energy auditing and analysis. Mr. Rosen has experience in many construction trades, as a construction field superintendent, and as the owner of a general contracting buisiness. He has a B.A. in Russian and Soviet Studies from Cornell University and a B.A. in computer science from Ithaca College.
Susan Galbraith, Energy Analyst, leads energy audits, and does technical writing. Susan has over twenty years of experience in building science with a focus on energy and indoor air quality. She has conducted building investigations and developed award-winning documents and training courses in building science for the US Environmental Protection Agency, New York State Energy Office, and other institutional and corporate clients. Susan earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Earlham College, a masters degree in teaching experimental psychology from Lehigh University, and received masters level training in environmental science at SUNY Environmental Science & Forestry.
Scott Shipley , Senior Energy Analyst, works for Taitem remotely from his home in the North Country, the most northern region of New York. He started his energy analysis career by co-founding a not-for-profit organization dedicated to dragging his beloved home region, kicking and screaming, into a more sustainable future. He holds BPI certifications in Shell, Heating, and Multifamily buildings and has experience as an Energy Star home rater. He is an electrical contractor installing photovoltaic systems in his home county. Scott holds a BS from Cornell University in Natural Resources.
Tim Allen, Senior Energy Analyst, is the department manager for Taitem’s Energy Auditing Services department. Tim began working for Taitem Engineering in 1994, and has 10 years of experience in energy analysis of commercial and multifamily buildings. Tim has also assisted in the development of energy simulation guidelines for the EnergyStar® Multifamily Pilot Program and NYSERDA’s Multifamily Performance Program. Tim is certified by the Building Performance Institute as a Multifamily Building Analyst. Tim has a B.A. from Manchester College.
Tim Wiese, Senior Engineer, has worked as a senior HVAC design engineer for some of the most prominent A/E design firms in central New York. At Taitem, he has led the design effort for a major energy renovation at the Kendal at Ithaca retirement facility, and the new Cornell Child Care Center. He has extensive experience in school design. Mr.Wiese holds A.A.S. degrees in Liberal Arts and in Air Conditioning Technology, from SUNY Canton.
Yossi Bronsnick, LEED AP, Project Engineer, has worked on a variety of structural design projects in both the public and private sectors. He also conducts energy audits. Yossi has also been a self-employed contractor and is skilled in welding, metal machining, carpentry, and painting. He has a Bachelor and Master of Science, Civil and Environmental Engineering from Cornell University.
110 South Albany Street, Ithaca, NY 14850 phone: 607.277.1118 • fax: 607.277.2119
staff directory
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Beth Mielbrecht, Project Coordinator, brings extensive experience in secondary education and the automotive racing industry to Taitem Engineering. As manager of the training department, Beth oversees development and delivery of training for the New York Department of Housing and Community Development’s Weatherization Assistance Program. Beth has a B.Eng. in mechanical engineering and a B.A. in literature, both from Stevens Institute of Technology.
Crista Shopis, LEED AP, Project Engineer, works on a variety of design projects, with a focus on HVAC engineering. She has also designed and installed photovoltaic systems. While a member of the Peace Corps in Paraguay, Crista designed and managed construction of running water systems. In May 2009, Crista received national recognition for her work from Consulting Specifying Engineer Magazine as on of their “40 Under 40″ outstanding young engineers. She has a Bachelor of Science, Civil and Environmental Engineering from Cornell University.
Dan Cogan, Senior Engineer, is the leader of Taitem’s work as the statewide quality assurance consultant for NYSERDA’s multifamily energy programs. Dan has expertise in energy audits in multifamily buildings, and has conducted research in the area of ventilation in multifamily buildings. Dan has an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering from University of California, Berkeley, and a Masters in Environmental Engineering from Cornell University. Outside of his work at Taitem, Dan is an elected member of the City of Ithaca Common Council.
Dominick DeLucia, Mechanical Designer, supports Taitem’s Design department with his expertise and experience in 2-D and 3-D drafting and modeling. He has worked in a variety of production settings, including higher education and manufacturing, and has experience on several LEED projects. Dom has an associates degree from Onondaga Community College.
Evan Hallas, Energy Technician, participates in Taitem’s energy and research projects, including quality assurance for NYSERDA’s multifamily energy programs. Evan has a B.S. in Environmental Science with a focus on Ecological Design from the University of Vermont.
Francis Vanek, PhD, Senior Engineer, consults for Taitem in the areas of alternative energy for transportation and renewable energy systems. Francis has bachelors degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Asian Studies from Cornell University, Masters and PhD in Systems Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania.
Fred Schwartz, Senior Engineer, has worked on a variety of design and energy projects, including Taitem’s projects for Tompkins County, the Ithaca Sciencenter Museum, the Oneida Indian Nation, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the Oneida Indian Nation, and for housing authorities in Ithaca, Batavia, Watervliet, Rome, and Tioga/Bradford Counties in Pennsylvania. He is well known in the Ithaca area as the previous owner of F.E. Schwartz, a plumbing/heating/air-conditioning contracting business. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering from Cornell University.
Ian Shapiro, PE, LEED AP, President, started Taitem Engineering in 1989. Prior to that, he worked for seven years at Carrier Corporation in Syracuse, where he designed heat pumps and air conditioning equipment. He was also Senior Engineer on several research projects evaluating advanced equipment such as integrated boilers, absorption chiller/heaters, and heat recovery ventilators, and holds eight patents from this work. Since starting Taitem Engineering, he has worked on over 150 design projects, published several articles and given workshops in the area of energy and ventilation. He has also led the development of several computer programs which are used in the HVAC, energy, and indoor air quality fields, including TREAT (Targeted Residential Energy Analysis Tools), IAQ-TOOLS, Ventilation Tools (software for compliance with ASHRAE standard 62), and Indoor Humidity Tools. Ian served for two years on the 21-CR Indoor Environmental Quality Subcommittee of the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology Institute’s 21-CR research program. He holds an undergraduate degree from McGill University, and an M.S. from Columbia University, both in mechanical engineering. Ian is a licensed engineer in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.
Jan Schwartzberg, Information Manager, performs a wide range of technical and administrative activities. Her responsibilities include network and server management, hardware and software maintenance, and technical writing. Jan earned her BA from McGill University and attended graduate school at Cornell University.
Javier E. Rosa, PE, Senior Engineer, has been doing structural engineering design since 1993. His structural engineering work at Taitem Engineering has included work on both low-rise and multistory industrial, commercial, and residential projects. Javier has provided expert testimony in analyzing structural problems, and recommending solutions to remedy deficiencies, on several projects. He has also worked on a variety of historic preservation projects. Javier studied Civil Engineering, and previously worked at Ray Architects and Engineers in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Javier has also worked on energy audits, heating and lighting design.
Jim Holahan, Energy Technician, conducts energy audits and contributes to various research projects. He brings broad experience in the green building field to Taitem, including wood and metal fabrication and construction/renovation project management. Jim has B.S. from SUNY Empire State College in Business, Management, and Economics.
Kapil Varshney, Ph.D., Research Engineer, leads Taitem’s research efforts. Dr. Varshney is currently studying energy-efficient homes through a method known as co-heat testing, and is leading a project examining the U-value of windows. He previously has studied wind turbines using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and flow visualization methods. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts.
Lou Vogel, PE, LEED AP, Vice President, has worked on a variety of design and energy projects, including energy audits at a psychiatric hospital and in several high-rise multifamily buildings. His areas of expertise include boilers, chillers, and air systems. Lou has worked on projects in schools, commercial buildings, and multifamily buildings. He has served on ASHRAE standards and handbook committees in the area of kitchen ventilation. He holds a degree in engineering from Purdue University.
Myron Walter, Senior Electrical Engineer, brings many years of experience as an electrical engineer and contractor to Taitem Engineering. As the founder and president of his own electrical contracting company, Myron specialized in commercial and industrial design/build projects, consulting with engineers and architects on electrical design projects. He has also worked as a construction administrator and electrical design engineer for a prominent central NY firm, specializing in education projects and overseeing project administrative issues during construction, electrical design of projects ranging from small alteration projects to new construction with electrical contracts of several million dollars. Mr. Walter holds associates degrees from Tompkins Cortland Community College and is a licensed master electrician.
Nate Goodell, Project Engineer, is a recent graduate of Cornell University with a Bachelors in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Before joining Taitem, Nate was employed at ABM Mechanical, where he worked on report generation, air balancing, electrical and mechanical design projects, trouble shooting, submittals, heat-exchange calculations, webpage design, fieldwork, service work, and equipment sizing. Nate’s current focus is on energy modeling of buildings.
Rob Rosen, Energy Analyst, joined Taitem as a programmer, working on the user interface of the award-winning TREAT software and providing technical support. His responsibilities have expanded to all areas of energy auditing and analysis. Mr. Rosen has experience in many construction trades, as a construction field superintendent, and as the owner of a general contracting buisiness. He has a B.A. in Russian and Soviet Studies from Cornell University and a B.A. in computer science from Ithaca College.
Susan Galbraith, Energy Analyst, leads energy audits, and does technical writing. Susan has over twenty years of experience in building science with a focus on energy and indoor air quality. She has conducted building investigations and developed award-winning documents and training courses in building science for the US Environmental Protection Agency, New York State Energy Office, and other institutional and corporate clients. Susan earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Earlham College, a masters degree in teaching experimental psychology from Lehigh University, and received masters level training in environmental science at SUNY Environmental Science & Forestry.
Scott Shipley , Senior Energy Analyst, works for Taitem remotely from his home in the North Country, the most northern region of New York. He started his energy analysis career by co-founding a not-for-profit organization dedicated to dragging his beloved home region, kicking and screaming, into a more sustainable future. He holds BPI certifications in Shell, Heating, and Multifamily buildings and has experience as an Energy Star home rater. He is an electrical contractor installing photovoltaic systems in his home county. Scott holds a BS from Cornell University in Natural Resources.
Tim Allen, Senior Energy Analyst, is the department manager for Taitem’s Energy Auditing Services department. Tim began working for Taitem Engineering in 1994, and has 10 years of experience in energy analysis of commercial and multifamily buildings. Tim has also assisted in the development of energy simulation guidelines for the EnergyStar® Multifamily Pilot Program and NYSERDA’s Multifamily Performance Program. Tim is certified by the Building Performance Institute as a Multifamily Building Analyst. Tim has a B.A. from Manchester College.
Tim Wiese, Senior Engineer, has worked as a senior HVAC design engineer for some of the most prominent A/E design firms in central New York. At Taitem, he has led the design effort for a major energy renovation at the Kendal at Ithaca retirement facility, and the new Cornell Child Care Center. He has extensive experience in school design. Mr.Wiese holds A.A.S. degrees in Liberal Arts and in Air Conditioning Technology, from SUNY Canton.
Yossi Bronsnick, LEED AP, Project Engineer, has worked on a variety of structural design projects in both the public and private sectors. He also conducts energy audits. Yossi has also been a self-employed contractor and is skilled in welding, metal machining, carpentry, and painting. He has a Bachelor and Master of Science, Civil and Environmental Engineering from Cornell University.