Karen Petersburg

Data Center 101 offers a foundational overview of the critical mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems that enable data center reliability, efficiency, and uptime. This presentation is designed for those new to data center design or operations, with a focus on the physical infrastructure that supports IT equipment. Key topics include power distribution systems (UPS, generators, switchgear), precision cooling (CRAC/CRAH units, chilled water systems), airflow management, fire suppression, and building management systems (BMS). Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how MEP components interact to maintain optimal environmental conditions and ensure continuous operation. The session will also touch on design considerations, redundancy models (N, N+1, 2N), reliability, and sustainability trends shaping modern data center infrastructure.

Biography:

As a Vice President of Development & Construction at AREP, Karen oversees the planning and execution of data center projects in her portfolio. She brings almost two decades of multidisciplinary expertise, having successfully managed complex sustainable data center design and engineering projects, including campus developments, hyperscale built-to-suits, and major infrastructure renovations. As a sustainability SME, Karen was recently honored by the Green Building Initiative (GBI) as its 2024 Member of the Year for her exceptional dedication to improving the built environment. Prior to joining PowerHouse, Karen served as director of design for Digital Realty Trust, where she was responsible for the quality of the organization’s designs and processes.

Karen actively contributes to the data center industry as the president of the local 7x24 DC Chapter, as Green Building Initiative’s Better Buildings Advisory Committee member, committee member with the Data Center Coalition, and an Editorial Advisory Board Member at Data Center Frontier. She also won "GBI Member of the year" in 2024, and appeared at no.42 Data Centre Magazine's Top 100 Women List. In addition, she supports and champions nonprofits aiming to increase STEM participation among local youth. Beyond her professional life, Karen is dedicated to exploring the philosophical and socio-economic dimensions of data, contemplating how it impacts our daily lives and shapes our globalized society's future.

Karen is a LEED Accredited Professional and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science & Government and a Master of Arts in Philosophy from Virginia Tech, along with industry certifications from CNet Training/Uptime Institute and Data Center Dynamics.

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