In this episode of Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski is joined by Olympian and building science researcher Donna Vakalis for a conversation that spans architecture, AI, athletics, and the climate crisis. Donna shares how her Olympic background fuels her passion for sustainable design and her current postdoc work at MILA—Canada’s leading AI institute—where she’s exploring how machine learning can optimize building performance. From smarter energy models and feed-forward HVAC systems to her role in the global coal phase-out and Racing to Zero, Donna illustrates the complex balance between comfort, carbon, and culture in the built environment. Together, Joe and Donna unpack whether AI is a hero or a hypocrite when it comes to sustainability—and what truly makes a building great.

More About Donna Vakalis

Donna is a postdoctoral researcher at Mila - Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, where she develops AI applications for building systems. Her work bridges advanced machine learning with real-world challenges in building operations and energy efficiency. With a PhD in civil engineering and extensive experience in construction and design, Donna brings a uniquely practical perspective to algorithm development. She's also a two-time Olympian (2012, 2016), and finds that the discipline and problem-solving skills from elite athletics often translate surprisingly well to her research work.

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