Horizon Health Partners with Top Engineering School

Horizon Health has partnered with one of the nation’s top engineering schools to provide students with valuable real-world experience while benefiting from their expertise in HVAC systems.

Since last fall, four senior students from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology have been evaluating the efficiency of heating and air conditioning systems at Horizon Health’s inpatient unit as part of their mechanical engineering curriculum. Their work includes measuring air temperature, humidity, air velocity, and airborne particulates.

“It is an honor to partner with one of the top engineering schools in the country,” said Jay Carmichael, Horizon Health President & CEO. “These students are among the brightest minds in the field, and we are fortunate to have them here. Their valuable insights will help us improve our operations for the benefit of our patients and employees.”

Horizon Health serves as a project sponsor of the college’s Capstone Design Experience, which allows students to apply their technical skills, engage in team-based problem-solving, and deliver tangible solutions for real clients.

“We’re looking for any energy conservation opportunities without compromising air quality for patients,” said Dave Snapp, Horizon Health Director of Maintenance & Facilities. “While our systems are in compliance, we are interested in identifying any areas for improvement.”

Among their findings, the students have identified airflow deficiencies in a second-floor non-clinical area, highlighting opportunities for improvement, Snapp explained. They will submit their final report to Horizon Health prior to their May graduation.

“Working with a client is valuable—it gives you the confidence and experience of seeing a project through,” said Will Bell, a senior from Indialantic, Florida.

Senior Matthew Schwartz, from Oak Park, California, added: “It’s a year-long project that allows us to apply what we’ve learned.” After graduation, Schwartz will begin his career as a mechanical engineer with the U.S. Navy in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology’s undergraduate engineering program has been ranked No. 1 in the nation for 27 consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report.