Tierney Kilgariff, M.S., P.E.

Associate Engineer

In the context of humanity, we’re at a fulcrum point, both in terms of energy and equity. Thinking globally, energy efficiency is important to me because it’s our first defense against resource depletion and is at the core of the ongoing energy transition. Having this role is a privilege because our work is so far-reaching and the basis for the mark I want to have in this world.

Tierney grew up in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where she developed a deep appreciation for winters and multicultural communities. There, she was lucky enough to attend a French immersion primary school and is currently trying to add Spanish to her repertoire. In 8th grade, after having her bike stolen, Tierney took a job at a local bike shop and developed a lifelong passion for grease and transportation justice.

This passion led Tierney to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she specialized in energy and international engineering. While in Madison, she studied abroad in France and directed the Nordic Ski Team. With a strong commitment to a just energy transition, Tierney then continued her education in Energy Systems at the University of California, Davis. While in Davis, she played for the UC Davis Ultimate Frisbee team and worked with Facilities Management to manage campus energy use and meet carbon neutrality goals.

Besides working at Michaels and the bike shop, her favorite job was delivering donuts across the Twin Cities in a manual transmission while watching the sun rise and listening to NPR. In addition to her professional pursuits, Tierney is an avid traveler and religiously tracks her visits to National Parks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites (amongst other things) in a much-adored spreadsheet. Finally, music is one of Tierney’s great loves, and she enjoys discovering new artists and genres and making playlists. If you want to start a conversation with Tierney, tell her the best place to visit in your hometown or your musical guilty pleasure.

When not working, Tierney hopes to use her free time for Nordic skiing, playing Ultimate, or trying out new things, but laying on the couch with the doggo, Theo, is a top passion too. Tierney is driven by a desire to make the world a better place by mitigating energy waste and reducing inequity in our energy system.