Mahdiyeh Zafaranchi, PhD
Fairfax, VA
856-***-**** — *****************@*****.*** — linkedin.com/in/mahdiyeh-zafaranchi Summary
Entry-level Mechanical Engineer with hands-on experience in HVAC design, energy modeling, and sustainable building systems. Strong foundation in mechanical calculations, system design, and construction documentation. Skilled in evaluating building systems, performing lifecycle cost analyses, and conducting facility condition assessments. Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering with focus on HVAC system optimization, heat pump technology, and energy efficiency in commercial buildings. Open to hybrid/on-site roles in VA/DC and remote work elsewhere. Technical Skills
• HVAC & Building Simulation: eQUEST, TRACE 700, TRNSYS, GLDesign, One Click LCA, Rhino/Grasshopper
• CAD & Design Tools: AutoCAD 2D/3D, Revit, 3ds Max, SketchUp, Adobe Photoshop, V-Ray
• Programming & Analysis: Python (Pandas), RStudio (ggplot), Excel
• Cost & Emissions Tools: Homer, One Click LCA
Experience
SOM Company, Chicago, Illinois
Intern, Mechanical Engineering Summer 2024
• Designed HVAC systems include ductwork, piping, and terminal units for multi-story buildings.
• Simulated energy performance using Rhino and Grasshopper for GSHP/ASHP systems.
• Conducted material take-offs and emission assessments with One Click LCA.
Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Research Assistant – Mechanical Systems & Energy Analysis 2022 – Present
• Conducted HVAC performance modeling using eQUEST and validated peak load predictions.
• Generated design reports and cost estimates comparing GSHP, ASHP, and baseline systems.
• Analyzed multi-building energy consumption patterns and operational performance metrics.
TUBITAK “3501” Project, Istanbul, Turkey
Environmental Engineer – Research Assistant 2021 –2022
• Assisted in retrofitting HVAC systems with water-source heat pumps for data centers.
• Evaluated lifecycle energy use and emissions for mission-critical systems.
Istanbul Teknik University (ITU), Istanbul, Turkey Research Assistant – Sustainable Buildings 2019 –2022
• Modeled passive and active energy conservation strategies for commercial and academic facilities.
• Performed building envelope and HVAC assessments for zero-energy building prototypes.
Nosazan Company, Tehran, Iran
Design Engineer – Mechanical & Architectural Systems 2016 –2017
• Prepared mechanical layouts and architectural design drawings for residential villas.
• Conducted HVAC sizing, ventilation requirements, and design documentation.
Tarhe Sabze Andisheh Consulting Engineers, Tabriz, Iran Intern, Architectural Engineering 2015 –2016
• Supported design teams with AutoCAD drafting, material estimates, and HVAC coordination. Education
Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering (GPA: 3.80) 2025
Istanbul Teknik University (ITU), Istanbul, Turkey M.Sc. in Energy Science and Technology (GPA: 3.50) 2022
Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran
B.S. in Architectural Engineering (GPA: 3.35) 2016 Awards, Certifications, and Memberships
• Preparing for Architectural PE Exam – October 2025 (School of PE)
• Certified in Data Visualization with R (Johns Hopkins University)
• Best Presentation Award – ICASE 2023
• Member: ASHRAE, WTS Philadelphia, KEEN, Engineering Unleashed
• Reviewer: Architectural Engineering and Design Management Journal Recent Publications
• Zafaranchi, M. (2020). Simulation and Analysis of Passive Parameters of Building in eQuest: A Case Study in Istanbul, Turkey. International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering.
• Zafaranchi, M., & Sozer, H. (2022). Effectiveness of Interventions to Convert the Energy Consumption of an Educational Building to Zero Energy. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation.
• Zafaranchi, M., & Sozer, H. (2023). Comparing Energy Profiles of Different Building Types by Determining Their Sensitivities. Architectural Engineering and Design Management.
• Zafaranchi, M., & Sozer, H. (2024). Enhancing Energy Efficiency through Hourly Assessments of Passive Interventions in Educational-Office Buildings: A Case Study in a Mediterranean Climate. Energy Reports.
• Zafaranchi, M., Cantor, E. S., Riddell, W. T., & Everett, J. W. (2024). Accuracy of Peak Demand Estimates for Office Buildings Using eQUEST. International Journal of Architectural and Environmental Engineering.
• Zafaranchi, M., Riddell, W. T., Chan, N. B., Saliba, E., & Leung, L. (2025). Evaluating the Environmental Impact of Heat Pump Systems: An Integrated Approach to Sustainable Building Operations. Energies.
• Zafaranchi, M., Riddell, W. T., & Everett, J. W. (Under review). Energy and Emissions Reduction Using PV Panels and GSHP in NJ.
• Zafaranchi, M., Riddell, W. T., & Everett, J. W. (Under review). Economic and Operational Analysis of Ground Source and Air Source Heat Pumps in Sustainable Construction.
• Zafaranchi, M., Riddell, W. T., & Everett, J. W. (Under review). Policy-Driven Approaches to Accelerate the Adoption of GSHP Technology.
Additional Details
• Work Authorization: Eligible to work in the U.S. via OPT (starting May 2025). Green Card (NIW + Family-based) in progress. No visa sponsorship required.
• Location: Based in Fairfax, VA. Open to hybrid/on-site roles in VA/DC and remote work elsewhere.
• Availability: Immediately available to begin work and travel occasionally for site visits or commissioning.