Project Manager Mike DeYoung is the recipient of the Prairie Research Institute’s 2024 Outstanding New Support Staff Award, which recognizes non-scientific support staff who have shown exceptional performance and outstanding service in their work and are making an impact on PRI.
DeYoung joined the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center staff in 2022 and “hit the ground running,” as one recommender wrote, in ISTC’s first project management position. ISTC Director Kevin OBrien nominated DeYoung, crediting his tireless work as integral to ISTC winning major projects.
“Mike was the first project manager hired into ISTC. He set the standard for the position and was immediately tasked with some of the most difficult and challenging projects and proposals. He was required to learn U.S. Department of Energy requirements and processes overnight,” OBrien wrote. “He quickly came up the learning curve and has also mentored the other two project managers hired after him.”
DeYoung’s dedication, initiative and enthusiasm on projects — including assisting with the development of three direct air capture hubs — and his mentorship of the growing project management team, have been essential to growing ISTC’s project management capacity and to receiving significant project awards.
“This award was genuinely unexpected,” DeYoung said. “I am honored to be nominated and recognized. I want to thank my fellow project managers for their commitment and willingness to learn and improve processes and procedures. Additionally, thank you to all the ISTC engineers’ tireless efforts to make these projects a reality.”
He recently answered a few questions about his work.
Tell us more about your role and what you enjoy most about your work?
I consider myself very lucky to be part of the ISTC and PRI family, and I look forward to making a positive impact on today’s most pressing climate challenges every day. I am fortunate to work with inspiring and brilliant researchers and cutting-edge industry partners.
As a project manager, I enjoy the dynamic environment. DOE continually introduces new requirements in solicitations, negotiations, and active awards. The role of a project manager, in my view, is akin to that of a translator — bridging gaps and ensuring everyone is on the same page.
ISTC has a broad portfolio of carbon capture, utilization, and storage projects, and our research scientists tackle incredibly complex problems. I am humbled and enjoy working with such dedicated people. I would say this is my dream job.
What has been your favorite and/or the most challenging project you have worked on so far?
Realistically, each project comes with a unique set of challenges. I find it fun finding the root issue and trying to improve or solve it. From there, I can apply the lessons I learned to avoid pitfalls in the future and tackle new problems from a stronger foundation.
The direct air capture hubs have been one of my favorite and one of the most challenging projects I’ve worked on. My role was to finalize three proposals comprised of different regions, technology partners, and engineering firms for each. It was a dynamic proposal with lots of moving parts. I was thrilled when our team found out we were selected for all three proposals. While in Philadelphia for a conference, it was great fun meeting most of the project partners. I had some genuinely inspiring conversations with leaders in direct air capture. Topics ranged from business, technology, mentoring, and finance.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself or your work?
When I am not working, I enjoy racing sail boats with my wife. We recently purchased a boat; we have been fixing it up and optimizing it. Huge shoutout to Erin Bauer at PRI’s ISWS who taught me to sail! During the winter or when the weather is bad, I enjoy building HiFi amplifiers. So far, I have built a vacuum tube and solid-state amp. I am a lifelong learner; I enjoy researching new hobbies and topics.