We are the Natural Refrigeration Foundation, the world’s leading resource for evidence-based science to support the most earth-friendly refrigerants, which will drastically reduce greenhouse gases. It’s Cool science. The Foundation is a 501c(3) non-profit, education, research and training
association dedicated to the natural refrigeration industry. Founded in 2006 by the membership of the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR), it’s partnerships and alliances have grown to include GCCA, RETA, ASHRAE, schools and trade associations.

Mission

The Natural Refrigeration Foundation promotes the climate-positive, safe, reliable, and efficient use of the most earth-friendly natural refrigerants through research and scholarships to develop industry talent, academic alliances, and outreach.

Vision

The Natural Refrigeration Foundation is the world’s leading resource for educational development, research, and the practical promotion of the most earth-friendly natural refrigerants. Natural Refrigeration Foundation 

Founders’ Scholarship

The NRF Founders’ Scholarship program has grown steadily since its introduction in 2016 and continues to address our industry’s need for technically trained individuals. Each year, scholarships are awarded to students exhibiting exceptional character and interest in pursuing an engineering or related technical degree toward a career in the refrigeration field. As part of the scholarship program, new Founders’ Scholarship recipients are invited to attend the IIAR annual conference, where they participate in our education sessions and network with industry leaders.

The growing interest in education and the increased number of student applicants from the U.S. and around the globe has placed a new focus on the Founders’ Scholarship program. In response to this growing demand and membership contributions, NRF is thrilled to recognize a generous educational grant from The Kahlert Foundation. These funds allow NRF to provide support for additional students who are eyeing careers in refrigeration, mechanical engineering, and/or fluid dynamics.

NRF and the Kahlert Foundation offer congratulations to the following 2024 Founders’ Scholarship awardees:

Jackson Burnett (Senior), University of Arkansas

Renato H. Carreon (Junior), University of Minnesota

Hazel Ferrier (Junior), University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Justice Hawkins (Senior), Virginia Commonwealth University

Michael Hintz (Junior), West Virginia University

Arkin Kurama (Senior), University of Notre Dame

Olabode Emmanuel Obasi Nwogo (Senior), Minnesota State University,

Mankato Francesco Pedulla (Junior), Concordia University

Sophia K. Schneider (Junior), Kansas State University

Maxwell Scott (Senior), Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Colby Unkart (Senior), Liberty University

Winters Xia (Sophomore), University of Waterloo

Board of Directors 2024–2025

Dave Malinauskas Chair of NRF BOD CIMCO Refrigeration

Mike McGinnis Secretary of NRF BOD IIAR Board, Current Chair Innovative Refrigeration Services

Quinn Vo Treasurer of NRF BOD Director-At-Large and NRF Treasurer appointed by IIAR BOD from IIAR General MembershipMayekawa U.S.A., Inc.

Jeff Sutton Director-at-Large appointed by IIAR BOD from IIAR BOD Mr. Ammonia Refrigeration, Inc.

Don Fetzer NRF Trustee Chair Director-At-Large appointed by IIAR BOD from IIAR General Membership Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc.

Walter Teeter Director-At-Large appointed from NRF Board of Trustees from NRF Trustees Republic Refrigeration, Inc.

Nick Nechay Director-At-Large appointed from NRF Board of Trustees from NRF Trustees Independent Refrigeration Services Inc.

John Flynn Education Committee Chair General Refrigeration William (Bill) Greulich Research Committee Chair Kensington Consulting

Gary Schrift IIAR President President, IIAR