College of Agriculture & Natural Resources│College of Engineering Department of Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering

Faculty and Specialist, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department, Michigan State University (MSU). Twenty five years of experience in domestic and international project/program management; twelve years in energy programs, policies, energy efficiency and renewable energy assessments in agriculture and rural businesses; and ten years involvement with the Michigan Public Service Commission and Michigan Utilities in energy issues and Energy Optimization Programs. Extension specialist for energy and energy programs.

Manager, Michigan Farm Energy Program (MFEP). Coordinates training, continuing education and certification process for Michigan Farm Energy Auditors. Collaborates with Michigan State University Extension in energy efficiency and renewable energy outreach for the Agricultural sector. Involved in State energy policy and program development.

Senior Staff, Michigan Agricultural Energy Council (MAEC). Work with The Michigan Agency for Energy, Michigan Public Service Commission, Agricultural Organizations, Utility Providers, Energy Firms, U.S. Department of Agriculture and other entities on energy activities/policies impacting the Agricultural Industry in Michigan.

Grants/Projects (Recent):

• Michigan Agency for Energy. Michigan AgriEnergy Audit and Renewable assistance Project ($250,000), 2017 - 2018.

• DTE/Engineering Society of Detroit. Expanded Benefits through and Automated Lon-Day-Lighting System at a 3X Milking Dairy Farm Project ($117,308), 2017 - 2018.

• USDA-REAP. Farm and Rural Business Energy Audit Grant ($100,000 each award), 2010, 2012, 2015 & 2017.

• Michigan Electric Utilities ($66,752 annually), 2008 - 2018.

• Michigan Agency for Energy. Michigan Farm Energy Implementation Project ($200,000), 2015 - 2016.

• Michigan Agency for Energy. Michigan Farm And Rural Business Energy Assistance Project ($120,000), 2014 - 2015.

Publications

1. Gould, M., & Go, A. Implementing Energy Conservation Measures Saves Money. Michigan State University Extension Article, East Lansing, Michigan, November 27, 2017. http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/implementing_energy_conservation_measures_saves_mone

2. Thomas, A., Thelen, J., Go, A., Surbrook, T., Vanee, M., & Althouse, J. (2017). A dairy long day lighting success story: MI dairy increases production and cuts costs. Paper presented at the 2017 ASABE Annual International Meeting, Spokane, Washington, July 2017.

3. Van Zweden, B., & Go, A. (2017b). Michigan Farm Energy Program. Paper presented at the 2017 ASABE Annual International Meeting, Spokane, Washington, July, 2017.

4. Thelen, J., Thomas, A., & Go, A. Solar Energy Implementation Case Study: King Orchards Fruit Co. LLC. Michigan State University Extension, East Lansing, Michigan, March 2017. http://msue.anr.msu.edu/uploads/234/98136/Solar_Energy_Case_Study_-_King_Orchards1.pdf Update released January 2018.

5. Thelen, J., Thomas, A., & Go, A. Solar Energy Implementation Case Study: Black Star Farms. Michigan State University Extension, East Lansing, Michigan, March 2017. http://msue.anr.msu.edu/uploads/234/98136/Solar_Energy_Case_Study_-_Black_Star_Farms1.pd Update released January 2018.

6. Thelen, J., Thomas, A., & Go, A. Solar Energy Implementation Case Study: Pork Chop Hill Farm LLC. Michigan State University Extension, East Lansing, Michigan, March 2017. http://msue.anr.msu.edu/uploads/234/98136/Solar_Energy_Case_Study_-_Pork_Chop_Hill1.pdf Update released January 2018.

7. Go, A. & Thelen, J. A gloomy El Nino Period for Solar Energy. Michigan State University Extension Article, East Lansing, Michigan, May 24, 2016. http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/a_gloomy_el_nino_period_for_solar_energy

8. Michigan Greenhouse Energy Audit Technical Guide, Go, A., T.C. Surbrook, and J.R. Althouse, MSU, East Lansing, Michigan, 2014.

Research Interests

Energy: Energy Efficiency, Applied Research, Renewable Energy and Energy Policy.