B. Rose Huber and Jeanne Jackson DeVoe

June 27, 2025

Title & Department: Energy Manager, Facilities and Site Services  

Year started at PPPL: 2022

With more than two decades of professional experience, Michael Starkey, energy manager at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), has built a career at the intersection of energy efficiency, engineering and facilities management. 

His career path has taken him across sectors, from consulting and construction to energy services and higher education. In each role, he has deepened his expertise and broadened his impact, helping organizations integrate more efficient practices while optimizing energy use and managing annual energy costs.

“I enjoy working at organizations with a strong mission, particularly those involving research, like PPPL,” Starkey said. “In many of my past roles, I’ve enjoyed exploring the ways research influences energy usage, efficient practices and facility operations.”

Improving efficiency one project at a time

At PPPL, Starkey is working on a range of projects, from retro-commissioning HVAC, lighting controls and pumps, to providing detailed building-level metering of the Lab’s electricity, steam, hot water and potable water usage. In the last year, he identified $35,000 in savings in two buildings, moving low-cost fixes forward. 

“Right now, we’re trying to get the most cost savings out of what we do,” Starkey said. “There are plenty of savings opportunities, and we’re trying to go for more low-cost projects when we can.”

Many operational functions are being upgraded at the Lab, Starkey said. For example, temperature controls keep the building at efficient temperature levels. Many of the HVAC systems enable additional outside air to be brought in for cooling when conditions are appropriate, therefore relying less on the chiller plant and electrical output.

Some of these changes are part of compliance, which is a focus of Starkey’s work. He directly supports following federal laws requiring energy and water efficiency at federal sites, producing reports for DOE and providing forecasting models that can help the Lab achieve more efficient operations. 

“I enjoy the mix of computer work, hands-on equipment work and my interactions with DOE,” Starkey said. “I find the mission and environment at PPPL both fun and meaningful. I like supporting scientific research, particularly fusion, at the Lab.”

Starkey is a highly engaged member of the Princeton Plasma Innovation Center (PPIC) project team. He was part of the team responsible for drafting the grant proposal that led to funding 48 geothermal wells provided by the Assisting Federal Facilities with Energy Conservation Technologies program. These wells make up an intricate geoexchange system that will provide heating and cooling for the new building, which is slated to be completed by 2027. 

Video: Learn about the geoexchange system for PPIC

A lifelong commitment to efficient solutions

Starkey’s passion for energy and the environment began in high school, sparking a lifelong commitment to finding smarter, more efficient solutions. He became a mechanical engineer to work on energy and energy efficiency issues. Throughout his career, Starkey was drawn to roles supporting research environments, which he said were more impactful and interesting than general projects. 

Starkey has a background in both the public and private sectors. He worked at Edison International, one of the nation’s largest electric utility holding companies, as well as NORESCO, a global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions, and Sieben Energy Associates, a consulting company. He also has higher education experience, working at Columbia University on numerous construction projects. 

He deeply appreciates the connection between science and energy use and looks forward to supporting projects like the Facility for Laboratory Reconnection Experiments, which started operations in June, and the National Spherical Torus Experiment-Upgrade, which is slated to go online in spring 2026.

“I love science, so working at a research lab and supporting a scientific endeavor is very powerful,” Starkey said. 

Outside of work, Starkey enjoys hiking, biking and spending time with his family. His wife, Kelly, is a journalist and works at a nonprofit news organization, Capital B, which is dedicated to news for and about African Americans. Together, they have three children: a biological daughter who is 10 and two foster children who are 1 and 3. 

Describe your job:

“As energy manager, I evaluate building energy performance, report energy and water performance metrics to DOE, help identify and implement opportunities to reduce energy and water use and costs, and lead the implementation of PPPL’s energy and water management plan.”

Three things about yourself:

• “My wife and I have taken care of foster children on and off for the past several years, as well as raising our biological daughter. Our biological daughter is named Sheridan and is 10 years old. We currently have two foster children who are ages 1 and 3.”
• “My favorite musical artist is Prince. I’ve liked his music since I heard the ‘Sign o’ the Times’ album as a kid.”
• “I like the outdoors, including hiking and bicycling. I’m a casual hiker and bicyclist — no racing.” 

What does safety mean to you?

“Good communication is the key to having a safe workplace. Safety means everybody gets home from work healthy each day.” 

What does working at PPPL mean to you?

“I enjoy working at PPPL because of the research environment. I like supporting scientific exploration and efforts to develop new energy technologies. Working at PPPL means learning from and helping out my colleagues.”