MCSI LEADERSHIP

Eric J. Beckman, DirectorEmeritus

MCSI extends best wishes to Director Emeritus Dr. Eric Beckman, who is retiring this summer. A distinguished professor, researcher, and innovator, Dr. Beckman has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles and received 39 U.S. patents, with several more pending.

Dr. Beckman joined Pitt’s faculty in 1989 and co-founded MCSI alongside Gena Kovalcik in 2003. He has advised and established several companies, including Cohera Medical, Inc., which he founded after developing a biodegradable and biocompatible surgical adhesive, TissuGlu. Over the course of his career, Dr. Beckman has received several awards, including a 2020 National Academy of Inventors Fellowship and the Innovation Institute’s 2022 Outstanding Innovator award. MCSI is extremely grateful for the vision, expertise and leadership that Dr. Beckman has provided throughout the years

Melissa Bilec, MCSICo-Director& SpecialAssistanttotheProvost

On October 1, 2022, Dr. Melissa Bilec began her new role as Special Assistant to the Provost for Sustainability for the University. Appointed by Dr. Ann Cudd (Pitt’s former Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor), Dr. Bilec is working with the Office of the Provost to guide the University’s advancement of sustainability programs within research and academics; this duration of this role is one year. After serving as MCSI’s Deputy Director for several years, Dr. Bilec was appointed CoDirector in September 2021. She is a triplealumna of Pitt, having received her Bachelor’s (magna cum laude), Master’s, and PhD from the Swanson School of Engineering. Dr. Bilec is recognized nationally and internationally for her expertise in circular economy, life cycle assessment, and sustainable engineering, with over 150 published peer reviewed articles and $13.4 million in secured funding (including 15 National Science Foundation grants).

Gena Kovalcik, Co-Director

Gena is MCSI’s administrative and strategic leader, a role in which she deepens engagements and develops partnerships that promote collaboration with industry, government, foundations, and universities. Gena’s responsibilities include supervising personnel, financial management, and utilizing organizational practices that foster impactful internal and external relationships. She is accountable for the smooth and successful development and implementation of all MCSI events and programs.

David V.P. Sanchez, AssociateDirector

Dr. Sanchez directs and manages MCSI’s faculty, education, and community engagement programs, including the John C. Mascaro Faculty Fellowships, the M.S. in Sustainable Engineering degree, and the University-wide undergraduate Sustainability Certificate. He is an award-winning educator elected to national offices for the American Society of Engineering Education and is the PI for Sustainable Design Labs, with expertise in water quality. Dr. Sanchez is recognized for initiatives in food sustainability, global engagement, and innovation. He continues to expand MCSI’s relationships with faculty, administration, students, industry, and community partners who support MCSI’s education and research efforts. He also oversees the University’s sustainability curricula and K-12 programming