Matt Z.

Experience

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  Sustainable Engineering Lab, Columbia University

  Mar 2012 - May 2015

  Research Assistant

  - Created original, interactive MATLAB models to simulate methods of large-scale demandmatching through a combination of renewable sources, backup power, and short-term storage.- Presented these assignments to the Modi Group and collaborators in NGOs and governmentorganizations (ECOWAS, ECREEE, UNIDO, and others).- Developed, in parallel with Prof. Vijay Modi, a model in MATLAB to predict how varying CO2 taxes and renewable energy incentives can accelerate investment in renewable technologies in the United States. - Co-authoring a paper entitled, "Reduction of CO2 Emitting Technologies Using Fiscal Policy," which details the results of this simulation. Show less

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  Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University

  Aug 2013 - Dec 2013

  Teaching Assistant

  - Taught 2-hour, weekly recitations for Energy Sources and Conversion (E4211).- Instructed students in the use of MATLAB and motivated exercises in Energy Planning and Optimization.

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  Steven Winter Associates

  May 2014 - Aug 2015

  Mechanical Engineering Intern

  - Sped up the firm's analysis of energy consumption and upgrade potential in NYC buildings 100-fold, by automating much of the process in a new Excel/VBA benchmarking tool.- Conducted on-site inspections in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and New Jersey to test the performance of building HVAC systems, ventilation, domestic hot water, and collect energy usage data. Some tests included exhaust fan tests, blower tent tests, DHW temperature and flow measurements, and in-depth boiler room and boiler controls inspections.- Developed a calculator to help size the pumps required for hydronic heating systems, given the parameters of a building's riser/zone configurations.- Helped prepare client reports for Local Law 87 compliance, NYSERDA benchmarking, MPP, and P4P programs in New York and New Jersey. Show less

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  CalWave Power Technologies

  Aug 2015 - May 2016

  Graduate Researcher

  - Designed several prototype wave absorbers - devices that convert the kinetic energy in ocean waves into usable electricity - using the architecture of Linear Wave Theory.- Manufactured, tested, and tuned these designs in preparation for the US Dept. of Energy's Wave Energy Prize, in collaboration with the full-time CalWave staff.- Reduced the uncertainty and variability in the lab's test results by outfitting the O'Brien Wave Tank with custom-designed dampers and an optimized numerical beach to limit wave reflection. Show less

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  Openspace LLC

  Jul 2016 - Aug 2020

  Founder & CEO

  Leading the development and growth of the Openspace peer-to-peer parking platform. Responsible for developing the business strategy, seeking funding and partnership opportunities, managing corporate accounts, overseeing the technical development of our platform and mobile app, and growing the Openspace brand name, in Ann Arbor and beyond.

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  General Motors

  Aug 2016 - Jun 2023

  Responsible for: - Identifying energy technologies on the horizon that GM should pursue in future products. - Conducting analytical assessments of fuel economy / range benefits of new technologies, and weighing these values against piece cost, engineering cost, and potential performance tradeoffs. - Working with Public Policy and other OEMs through USCAR/Auto Alliance to influence and understand the latest regulations around GHG/CAFE from governing bodies. - Broadening Advanced Energy's collaboration with other organizations within GM to support broad corporate missions like carbon neutrality and well-to-wheel sustainability. Show less

  • Energy Technology Strategist

    Aug 2021 - Jun 2023

  • Vehicle Performance Engineer

    Aug 2016 - Aug 2021
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  Argonne National Laboratory

  Sept 2023 - now

  Argonne Associate
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  2050 Partners

  Feb 2024 - now

  Senior Consultant