Lab Design Conference Speaker Profile: Rachel Romero
Rachel Romero, PE, senior engineer and project leader at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, will be speaking at the 2025 Lab Design Conference in Denver, CO. Rachel and her colleagues Otto Van Geet and Tanna Tennyson will offer the conference’s closing generation session, “Advancing Sustainability in Laboratory Design: A Comprehensive Overview of Smart Labs,” on May 13 at 3:00pm.
The presentation will cover comprehensive strategies for decarbonizing laboratory operations, including energy-efficient measures, optimized HVAC systems, and current renewable energy and electrification practices. Tailored guidance for federal laboratories will outline regulatory considerations, funding opportunities, and strategic frameworks for sustainable practices. Rachel, Otto, and Tanna will discuss the Smart Labs program and how it helps laboratories reduce their environmental impact, enhance operational efficiency, and foster a collaborative culture.
Lab Design News recently spoke with Rachel about important skills for lab designers, her career as a state champion swimmer, and what you can expect from her Lab Design Conference presentation. Be sure to secure your spot at the conference so you don’t miss this session!
Q: How is your Lab Design Conference talk particularly relevant to today’s laboratory design landscape?
A: Smart Labs implements new methods to look at safety and energy efficiency together in labs. As we move into an area with a concentration on extensive climate goals and plans, labs contribute to how we look at those.
Q: What are some key takeaways that attendees can expect from your session, and how can they apply these lessons to their own lab projects?
A: Learn about resources from the Smart Labs toolkit and see case studies on how to implement the principles. [The audience will also] understand how Smart Labs partners around the country are looking different at ventilation and building teams to address their goals within labs.
Q: What are your top tips for lab users to optimize their current lab space, without undergoing a new build or a major renovation?
A: Complete a laboratory ventilation risk assessment. Assign an industrial hygienist and a facilities engineer to review the risk in the lab space and together to look at how labs operate and can be optimized to operate best.
Q: Can you share a case study or real-world example that you’ll be discussing during your Lab Design Conference talk, and how it reflects current trends in lab design?
A: The Research and Innovation Laboratory (RAIL) seeks to implement Smart Labs practices at NREL. The open lab space has an energy recovery system, good ventilation effectiveness, and controls to set appropriate ventilation rates and setbacks.
Q: Why is it important for professionals involved in lab design and operations to attend your session, and how will it help them stay ahead of industry trends?
A: By attending the sessions, professionals will truly understand the term and tools behind Smart Labs. [They will] learn what and who we are working with at NREL to improve lab buildings.
Q: What is one important “soft skill” that all lab design experts should have?
A: Work with multi-disciplinary teams including researchers, industrial hygienists, facilities manager, and energy managers. By doing this, the most effective team can tackle the hardest challenges.
Q: What kinds of hobbies or interests do you have outside of work?
A: I am a Masters swimmer and continue to compete year-round as a freestyle sprinter. Recently, I helped the Foothills Masters Swim Team win three state championships over the past three years.
Q: What is your favorite vacation spot?
A: I love the beach with my family. I love the water and sun and the relaxing atmosphere where I can read a book.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about the Lab Design Conference?
A: I love networking. Through networking, we see other creative solutions to challenges, gain innovative perspectives, and find new friends. I look forward to meeting new people at the conference.
