Cooley currently works as a Program Manager for Citizens Energy Group in Indianapolis, which provides natural gas, thermal energy, water, and wastewater services to about 900,000 customers in Indianapolis. There, Cooley leads planning, design, and construction of critical infrastructure for the long-term benefit of Indiana residents and industries.

"I was drawn to the water and utility industry because it’s fundamental to our existence,” states Cooley. “It appeals to me because of its universal impact and the balance required to solve technical and relational challenges.”

Cooley joined Citizens Energy Group in 2019 and previously worked for Black & Veatch, a global leader in building critical human infrastructure in energy, water, telecommunications, and government services. 

Citizens Energy Group, led by Bruce Cooley, sponsored two EEE Senior Design Projects in 2022-2023. This team-based, experiential learning project allows EEE students to address real-world challenges under the guidance of real clients. In turn, sponsors gain organizational visibility and an innovative solution to a problem.

Bruce Cooley’s first sponsored project, “White River North Water Treatment Plant: Chemical Feed System and Filtration System Expansion,” asked students to prepare a design for Citizens Energy Group’s White River North Treatment plant in Carmel, Indiana. The team aimed to increase the capacity of their current filtration and chemical feed systems to meet rising demand from 34 million gallons per day to 59 million gallons per day. For the second project, “Fall Creek High Service Pump Station,” students provided Citizens Energy Group with a reliable, cost-effective solution for increasing their Fall Creek Pump station’s capacity that protects the environment and public health.

Cooley volunteered his time to support these projects for the same reason that he decided to join the EEE EAC.

“Connecting students and faculty to industry is vital to a well-rounded educational experience. I strive to facilitate these connections to provide students with the necessary learning tools to engage in professional development programs and projects that mutually benefit industry.”

In his free time, Cooley is an avid reader of history, actively engages in weekly youth development activities, and enjoys the outdoors with family and friends.

We look forward to Bruce Cooley’s continued contributions to Purdue Environmental and Ecological Engineering!