Alumnus Dan Byrne Recognized with Bray Lab Dedication

At the recent Tufts University Class of 1976 reunion, alumnus Dan Byrne, E76, was honored with the dedication of the Design Lab, recognizing his generous support for this hands-on learning space.

The newly-named Byrne Design Lab gives mechanical engineering students a dedicated place to explore ideas, develop technical and creative skills, and bring projects from concept to reality. Located in Bray Lab, across from the machine shop, the space supports collaboration, planning, prototyping, and other experiential learning activities.

Members of the Tufts mechanical engineering community gathered during Byrne’s 50th reunion to celebrate the dedication and the opportunities it will create for students. Byrne’s gift will provide materials for the Byrne Design Lab, helping students test ideas, build projects, and strengthen the practical skills that complement their classroom learning. As a plaque outside the lab reads, “Dedicated to you, the engineering student who enters this room to design, ideate, and create new solutions to make the world a better place.”

Byrne is a successful entrepreneur in the Pacific Northwest, with a special interest in the commercialization of innovative and reliable temperature control and refrigeration systems. In 1976, he earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Tufts University, followed by a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and thermosciences from Stanford University. He was a marketing engineer in the Stirling Engine/Cryocooler Systems Division at Mechanical Technology from 1980 to 1983, and an applications engineer at Airco Industrial Gases from 1978 to 1980.  

He began his career as a staff engineer in Fuel Systems at Boeing from 1977 to 1978. Throughout his career, he has invested in numerous companies related to energy and refrigeration including founding Byrne Specialty Gases, Inc. in 1984. A Seattle-based distributor of specialty gases, related equipment, and cryogenic storage systems, the company serviced the life sciences sector throughout the Pacific Northwest. In 2006, the company was acquired by Airgas, Inc. Following the sale, Byrne continued his involvement in various engineering companies including as the co-founder of Stirling Ultracold, which introduced a new deep refrigeration system that is useful for preserving COVID vaccines and biological samples. 

Byrne hopes the design studio at Bray Lab will continue to empower students to transform their ideas into reality by fostering a community where students use engineering design to tackle complex global challenges. “I am deeply honored to have the Design Lab bear my name, especially as I celebrate my 50th Tufts reunion. Hands-on learning shaped my own journey as an engineer and has been at the heart of my career ever since. Knowing that this space will help future Tufts mechanical engineering students explore, create, and learn by doing is incredibly meaningful to me."