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Architectural Engineering and Construction Science

Julia Keen | Professor

Photo of Julia KeenBob and Betty Tointon Engineering Chair

Ph.D. - 2010, Kansas State University
Curriculum and Instruction
M.S. - 2005, Kansas State University
Architectural Engineering
B.S. - 1998, Kansas State University
Architectural Engineering

Contact Information

2062 Seaton Hall
785-532-3575
jkeen@k-state.edu

Professional Experience

Julia Keen received her bachelor's degree in architectural engineering from Kansas State University in 1998. Upon graduation,she worked as a mechanical/electrical project engineer in Waterloo, Iowa. In this capacity, she was responsible for the design of building systems from initial planning stages through final project inspection and completion. Keen was involved in new and retrofit projects including hospitals, health clinics, assisted-living and nursing facilities, education facilities, office buildings, retail facilities, dormitories and churches. In July 2003 she accepted a faculty position with K-State in the department of architectural engineering and construction science. She completed her master's degree in architectural engineering in 2005 and her doctorate in curriculum and instruction in 2010, both from K-State. She is a licensed Mechanical Professional Engineer in Kansas and Iowa, and holds the High-Performance Building Design Professional (HBDP) ASHRAE Certification. As a professor of architectural engineering and construction science she was granted the Bob and Betty Tointon Engineering Endowed Chair and was recognized as the 2020 Coffman University Distinguished Teaching Scholar. In addition to her nine-month faculty appointment at K-State, Keen has the opportunity to stay current with the HVAC industry in a consulting capacity as owner of the consulting company Keen Designs PA. Her endeavors there include performing as an HVAC professional education consultant in the areas of engineering design, plan check and quality review, and acting as an owner's representative in facility planning and project implementation. 

Research

Keen's specific areas of interest and research include HVAC design, energy codes, high-performance design, HVAC education and advancement of women in the building design and construction industry. She conducts research with both graduate and undergraduate students. 

Research Keywords

HVAC design, energy codes, high-performance design, HVAC education, women in engineering, building design and construction employee retention

Academic Highlights

Keen dedicates much of her free time to the professional organization, ASHRAE. She has served in leadership positions at both chapter and society levels, and was elected to the ASHRAE society board of directors as vice president 2017–2019 and director-at-large 2013–2016. Her society-level committee involvement includes the areas of nominating, finance, publishing and education council, planning, publications, conferences and expositions, and certification, as well as chairing the TC6.1-hydronic and steam equipment and systems group. She continues to promote her passion for HVAC education through the HVAC Essentials Course she co-developed and delivers for ASHRAE around the world, as well as co-authoring the ASHRAE book, High-Performance Buildings Simplified. Her contributions to the HVAC industry and education have been recognized by her promotion to the grade of ASHRAE Fellow in 2016, being awarded the 2018 ASHRAE E. K. Campbell Teaching Award and being identified as 2019 Engineered Systems Magazine's 20 to Watch: Women in HVAC.