‘Desire for efficiency’ drives Weber State student to seek energy innovation in Utah
OGDEN, Utah — A “desire for efficiency” isn’t how most people would describe the path to their career, but it’s what drove Weber State University student Matt Millburn to pursue a degree in energy engineering.
Millburn, 23, said he’s fascinated by how societies use energy and what that could look like in the future, both in Utah and nationwide. It’s what drew him to ձһƬ, the first school in Utah to offer an energy engineering degree.
“Weber State is the frontrunner in energy,” Millburn said. “Their energy efficiency and the technologies they use, it’s some of the best in the country.”
A specialized focus of mechanical engineering, explores the best ways to produce, use and save energy.
The energy sector employs more than 8 million people across the United States. As of 2022, Utah is home to more than 85,000 energy workers with roughly one-third working in energy efficiency.
“Utah's energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation,” said ձһƬ engineering professor An Ho, citing a U.S. Department of Energy report that shows energy efficiency jobs will grow 6.4% annually.
“There’s definitely a need for these kinds of engineers,” Millburn said, emphasizing the need for clean energy to address environmental issues and for energy independence to “create a stable grid that’s secure and reliable.”
Millburn said efficiency is the hallmark of energy engineering, but it’s also essential in this season of his life.
On top of a full course load at Weber State, the husband and first-time father works as an energy auditor at the . There, he reviews mechanical systems in industrial and commercial facilities to identify inefficiencies and make recommendations that will help save energy and money.
He also serves as a paratrooper in the Utah Army National Guard. Currently enlisted, Millburn assumed a leadership role in Weber State’s ROTC program, where he’s training to become an officer upon graduating from Weber. The Guard allows him to serve part time in the military and also have a full-time civilian career.
“I’d been thinking about what would provide the most stable job over the next 20 years, and energy is a huge national priority,” Millburn said. “Becoming an expert in that now, it positions me well in the future.”
Graduates of the ձһƬ program can land jobs as auditors, researchers and various roles within the growing industry, Millburn said. They can also focus on infrastructure security to eliminate energy vulnerabilities.
Millburn believes he can make a “lasting impact” with his work in both energy and national security, which he lists as two of the country’s top issues. He’s also interested in nuclear energy and may consider working toward a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering.
He anticipates graduating from ձһƬ in December and securing a job in the energy industry while furthering his military career as an officer.
Bryan Magaña, public relations director
801-626-7948, bryanmagana@weber.edu- Contact:
Bryan Magaña, public relations director
801-626-7948, bryanmagana@weber.edu