Our Team

Eric J. Beckman, Co-Director

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.

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.

Melissa M. Bilec, Deputy 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.

David Sanchez, Assistant Director, Education and Community Engagement

David is responsible for all of the Center’s education, community engagement, and outreach 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, K-12 programming, and overseeing outreach programs 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.

Anna Coleman, Sustainability Intern

Anna joined MCSI as an intern in 2018 and supports the entire leadership team on all of our programs and initiatives. In particular, Anna leads website updates and e-newsletter efforts.

Gabrielle Sampson, Sustainability Intern

Gabby joined MCSI as an intern in 2020 and supports the entire leadership team on all of our programs and initiatives. In particular, Gabby leads our social media efforts.