Our Team

Eric J. Beckman, Director Emeritus

Eric sustains a strong research portfolio and works to develop new technologies that expand the frontiers of sustainability. He helps to develop mutually beneficial linkages with industry in order to develop partnerships and collaborative research and, where applicable, technology transfer, contract work, and commercialization of intellectual property.

Melissa M. Bilec, Co-Director

Melissa is responsible for providing research leadership, which includes developing new programs and promoting and facilitating leading-edge collaborative research. Melissa helps to build and provide support for a community of innovative researchers to enhance research capacity at the University and increase internal and external research opportunities for faculty and students. She works to develop networks between the Center and partners, acting as the nexus between the University and the community developing strong linkages with appropriate departments and programs.

Gena M. Kovalcik, Co-Director

Gena is responsible for providing administrative leadership, which includes supervising personnel, financial management, and operations. Gena represents the interests of the Center with academic administration, encouraging and supporting the raising of funds, and managing and ensuring regular communication of Center activities for faculty, students, and external partners. She is accountable for the successful development and implementation of all MCSI events and programs and provides support to the faculty leadership team on all initiatives.

David Sanchez, Associate Director

David is responsible for providing leadership in education, innovation, and engagement. He is responsible for the Center’s education, innovation, faculty, engagement, and community programs, including directing the undergraduate certificate in sustainability, the Master’s in Sustainable Engineering, and the John C. Mascaro Faculty program. He is responsible for building strong, positive working relationships with faculty, administration, students, and external partners. This includes overseeing the undergraduate and graduate curriculum, working with industry and government and, building new initiatives that benefit our broad education and research agenda.

Ellie Cadden, Sustainability Engagement Assistant

Ellie manages all office activities including scheduling meetings, maintaining the appointment calendar, travel, proofreading and editing correspondence and budget management. She assists with educational programs, marketing, and logistics. Ellie also manages the design and content of the MCSI website, e-newsletter, and social media communications.

Lucy Klug, Sustainability Intern

Lucy Klug coordinated and led the First-Year presentations to promote sustainability initiatives at Pitt. Lucy also managed the MCSI social media accounts to engage students in a virtual space and to advertise sustainable events.

Jessica Gondak, Sustainability Intern

Jess Gondak assembles and writes the quarterly sustainability alumni newsletter for MCSI. Jess corresponds with alumni and writes profiles on individuals who are making an impact on sustainability in their careers. Jess also contributes to upgrading and editing the MCSI website.

Emily Albrecht, Community Engagement Intern

Emily works closely with Dr. Sanchez on community engagement efforts on and off campus. Off campus, Emily manages volunteer days at the Oasis Farm and Fishery in Homewood. On campus, Emily organizes several collaborative programs to promote the Pitt Honors Food Ecosystems Scholar Community.