Lucas joined NREL in 2014 and is a member of the Residential Buildings Research Group, focused on energy efficiency integration within new and existing building stock. He provides technical project management support for the 13 research projects in the U.S. Department of Energy Building America Program, and he also supports research in building automation systems. He has done laboratory testing of building technologies such as humidity control systems, residential and commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), envelope, heat pump water heaters, ground source heat pumps, and liquid cooled high-power computing systems. He has a strong desire to work more closely with industry to advance workforce development and integrate energy efficiency as a staple in all residential and commercial building construction and retrofit applications.

Prior to joining NREL, Lucas spent eight years in the United States Air Force where he worked in cable and antenna systems and combat communications.

Research Interests

Optimization of residential HVAC and dehumidification systems

High performance and zero energy homes

Indoor air quality

Knowledge dissemination and workforce development

Education

M.S. Technology Management, Eastern Illinois University

B.S. Organizational and Professional Development, Eastern Illinois University

A.S. Electrical Science, Community College of the Air Force