Melissa Young
Engineer | Marietta, GA
Melissa came to GDS as a Co-op student in January 2012. She completed three semesters of full-time work and five semesters of part-time work at GDS before graduating from Georgia Tech in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Melissa has now been here for four years since graduating with a current title of Engineer in the Energy Efficiency Department. Most of her work in the EERD department involves demand response potential studies. She has completed eight DR potential studies in five states over her time here.
What are your interests in your field of work?
I’ve been interested in energy efficiency and sustainability from a young age. In these days, where climate change is such a big part of our lives, I love being a part of an industry that is making a difference. The demand response potential studies I work on help our clients determine which programs are feasible. Once implemented, these programs will help lower consumption, therefore reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
What do you enjoy doing on your day off?
On days out of the office, I love to spend time outside. Some of my favorite activities include hiking, camping, yoga, and paddle boarding.
What is the best vacation you’ve been on?
My favorite was South Africa. I loved everything about the country and our trip: the animals we saw on safari, the gorgeous scenery, the intense hikes in Cape Town, the perfect weather we had while there, the people we met, and the traditional food we ate. It is the perfect place for an outdoor lover like me!
Do you have a favorite movie or T.V. show?
I still love all the Harry Potter movies. I do a binge-watching marathon of all of them every few months. My favorite shows include American Horror Story, Stranger Things, and Breaking Bad.
What is on your bucket list?
My top three:
- Go to the hot air balloon festival in Cappadocia, Turkey
- Road trip across the United States
- Successfully do an unassisted handstand.
Tell us fun fact about yourself:
I’ve been to 24 countries so far and am trying to make it to 30 by the time I turn 30.
What is your favorite meal?
I love most food, but my go-to favorite is lasagna. I spent a week in Italy a few years ago and had lasagna every day!
Harry Potter Series. Directed by Chris Columbus, Alfonso Cuaron, Mike Newell, & David Yates, Warner Bros. Pictures, 2001 – 2011. Film.
American Horror Story. 20th Century Fox Television. 2011. Television.
Stranger Things. 21 Laps Entertainment, 2016. Television.
Breaking Bad. AMC. 2008. Television.