Alumni Spotlight: Patrick Reaves MBA/MEM ’12

Patrick Reaves, Alumni Spotlight

Patrick Reaves

Facebook, Utility Analyst

San Mateo, CA

 

Background

MEM ‘12, Energy & Environment

Other degrees: MBA, Fuqua

 

Biography

Patrick joined Facebook’s data center strategy and development team in July 2012 immediately following his graduation from Duke’s Nicholas School of the Environment and Fuqua School of Business. In this role, he now focuses on ensuring that Facebook’s infrastructure has access to cost-competitive, clean and renewable sources of energy. Based in Silicon Valley, Patrick has also worked in remote corners of Sweden, central Oregon, and places in between with Facebook.

With more than a billion people using Facebook, the energy demands of the social network’s infrastructure are greater than ever but powered by some of the most energy efficient data centers in the world. Patrick has been involved in a number of projects addressing this challenge, including energy forecasting, project and site development, and energy finance.

 

Quote

“I really cherished my time at the Nicholas School. In addition to the bright, down-to-earth cohort of students I met and lifelong personal and professional relationships I developed, I was totally immersed in studying the most important challenges facing the energy industry. Working at Facebook, I unquestionably rely on what I gained while pursuing my MEM: that ranges from understanding complex issues like energy regulation and power markets, to simply appreciating the value of effective teamwork.”