College of

Engineering, Architecture and Technology

Energy efficiency is a global concept. From new technologies and discoveries to the upkeep of national energy systems, there is a worldwide community of energy professionals for the next generation to connect with. 

 

The Association of Energy Engineers is an example of this, providing top of the line certifications, cutting-edge training and connecting its members to its worldwide community.   

 

Students in Oklahoma State University’s College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology are beneficiaries of this community through the OSU student chapter of AEE. This chapter has led to tremendous opportunities for students to be successful in the energy industry.

   

The OSU chapter was founded in February 2024. One of the advisors is Dr. Hitesh Vora, an associate professor in the School of Materials, Mechatronics and Manufacturing Engineering.

   

The chapter’s mission is to empower students through promoting energy efficiency and sustainability, as well as providing professional development opportunities.

   

It hosted a panel discussion at the Great Plains Center for Excellence and worked with the AEE Oklahoma Chapter to host a poster presentation event. It serves to bridge the gap between academia and the energy industry.

  

The most recent president was Kritika Bhandari, who earned her master’s from the School of Industrial Engineering and Management in spring 2025. Bhandari was honored with the organization’s Outstanding Student Chapter Member Award. The OSU chapter also received the Best Student Chapter Conference and Expo award. 

  

“It’s incredibly exciting and a huge honor to be recognized as the National Outstanding Student Chapter Member,” Bhandari said. “When we formed the OSU AEE Student Chapter, we had a vision of building a strong community focused on energy efficiency, professional development and industry engagement. To see that effort recognized on a national level within just a year is both humbling and motivating. It reflects not only my commitment but the passion and dedication of the entire team. This award inspires me to continue pushing boundaries and creating more impactful opportunities for students at OSU.”  

 

Both awards represent the national success of OSU’s AEE chapter. They are a recognition of the capability and dedication that students such as Bhandari are capable of, as well as the quality of mentorship, collaboration and experiential learning that allows students to thrive.   

 

“It is a moment of immense pride and fulfillment to see Kritika receive this national recognition,” Vora said. “Her selection as the Outstanding Student Chapter Member reflects her consistent dedication, intellectual rigor, and leadership in advancing energy efficiency and sustainability. As her mentor, I’ve had the privilege to witness her remarkable transformation into a future leader in energy systems engineering.”  

 

Bhandari has worked alongside Vora on multiple endeavors. She is involved with the OSU's Industrial Training Assessment Center and has conducted 32 industrial energy assessments in Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas and Texas, leading six of them. Vora said her work has contributed to more than $2.23 million in recommended energy savings.   

 

“OSU has built a strong legacy of excellence in the ITAC and AEE community. Kritika is the latest in a line of distinguished students to be honored nationally, showcasing the consistent quality of our program. Our DOE-supported training ecosystem equips students with both technical proficiency and leadership acumen — traits clearly embodied by Kritika.”