OSU’s ITAC program honored with national student and alumni awards
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Media Contact: Desa James | Communications Coordinator | 405-744-2669 | desa.james@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University’s Industrial Training and Assessment Center is making a name for itself as a leader in energy engineering and workforce development, as two Cowboys have been recognized with U.S. Department of Energy’s ITAC honors.
Graduate student Himavanth Sakshi was named an ITAC Outstanding Student Award recipient, and alumnus Evan Hawk has been awarded an ITAC Distinguished Alumni Award. Their achievements reflect not only individual excellence, but also the continued strength of OSU’s role in the national ITAC network.
ITAC works with small and medium-sized manufacturers to identify cost-saving energy solutions. Students gain hands-on experience by conducting field assessments and helping companies improve sustainability and competitiveness.
The program has performed hundreds of assessments across the region and trained students who go on to lead national energy programs and initiatives. By combining research, education and outreach to create an unmatched experience in applied learning, OSU’s ITAC provides ideal opportunities for interested students.
ITAC is where learning meets leadership. It’s where our students become problem-solvers,
innovators and energy champions.
For Dr. Hitesh Vora, director of OSU’s ITAC, the recent national recognition of students and alumni is more than a milestone — it’s proof of a vision realized.
“ITAC is about much more than data and cost savings,” said Vora. “My personal mission is to provide lifelong learning lessons through systematic training and hands-on experience. My motto has always been ‘converting stone into gold’ — taking raw talent, curiosity and ambition, and shaping them into professional excellence and lasting impact.”
Under Vora’s leadership, OSU ITAC has become a national model of applied learning, blending advanced technologies like AI-powered assessment tools and drone-enabled audits with personal mentorship that transforms students into innovators.
“This award is a testimony to that motto,” Vora added. “It shows that when you believe in your students and invest in their growth, you can turn possibility into achievement.”
Himavanth Sakshi
Sakshi, a master’s student in mechatronics and robotics, has completed 28 energy assessments across Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas and Texas, leading seven of them. His work has helped manufacturers identify more than $2.1 million in potential cost savings, including over $1.5 million in electricity alone.
But the numbers only tell part of the story.
From developing AI-powered recommendation systems to designing remote audits using drones and 360-degree cameras, Sakshi has pushed the boundaries of what student-led energy assessments can accomplish. His work, known as the Smart Remote Energy Assessments project, introduced scalable technology solutions to help streamline audits and increase efficiency.
“When I first joined the ITAC team, I wanted to deepen my understanding of energy systems and how energy is used across different industries,” Sakshi said. “Once I saw the real-world impact of the work being done, I absolutely fell in love with the program. It shifted my mindset from ‘how can I get the job done by a machine?’ to ‘how can I get the job done by a machine with lesser energy?”’
Sakshi also serves as secretary and founding member of the OSU Association of Energy Engineers student chapter, where he mentors fellow engineers and helps raise awareness of energy efficiency through campus initiatives. His leadership, according to Vora, has consistently inspired peers, contributing to the professional growth of the ITAC team.
For other engineering students considering research or applied learning experiences, Sakshi encourages them to say yes to all opportunities.
“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; that’s where the real learning happens," he said. “And always stay curious — ask questions, even the “stupid” ones. After all, asking why the apple fell made Newton unforgettable!”
Evan Hawk
Hawk completed 12 assessments as an undergraduate at OSU, saving facilities over $576,000 in energy and operational costs. His performance and professionalism earned him a direct opportunity with CLEAResult after graduation.
“Had I not joined ITAC, I may never have found my way to this career,” Hawk said. “That real-world exposure showed me the immediate impact of energy efficiency — how it could reduce costs, restore jobs, and improve lives.”
Now a professional engineer and Certified Energy Manager, Hawk leads utility-driven energy efficiency initiatives across North America through CLEAResult, delivering over 130 GWh in energy savings and 500,000 therms annually.
He also serves as a mentor, advisor and guest speaker for OSU’s current ITAC students, helping connect graduates with job opportunities and sharing industry insights that bridge academic training with applied innovation.
“With certifications like CEM, PE, and PMVA, Evan exemplifies what lifelong learning and early mentorship at ITAC can achieve,” Vora said.
Through students like Sakshi and alumni like Hawk, the benefit of OSU’s ITAC is clear. It’s a place where curiosity meets impact, and where the next generation of energy leaders gets its start.