People
Our Team
Eric J. Beckman
Codirector,
Science and Technology
412-624-4828
beckman@pitt.edu
Eric Beckman received his B.S. in chemical engineering from M.I.T. in 1980. Following a stint in industry, he joined the Polymer Science Department at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, receiving his Ph.D. in 1988. After postdoctoral work, Dr. Beckman joined the Chemical Engineering Department at the University of Pittsburgh as an Assistant Professor in 1989, rising to full Professor in 1997. He served as Associate Dean for Research for the School of Engineering from 1999-2000, then Chemical Engineering Department Chair from 2000 – 2005. In 2003, Dr. Beckman became the founding director of the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation.
Dr. Beckman’s research focuses on molecular design to support (a) creation of greener chemical products and (b) synthesis of materials to support biomedical research. He received a National Science Foundation Young Investigator award in 1992, and a Presidential Green Chemistry award in 2002. He became the School of Engineering’s first Bayer Professor in 2000, then was awarded the Bevier Chair in engineering in 2005. Dr. Beckman has supervised over 40 PhD students and postdoctoral scientists, published over 170 papers in peer-reviewed journals and has over 50 patents and published applications.
Dr. Beckman is also Chief Science Officer for Cohera Medical Inc., the company he co-founded with Dr. Michael Buckley in 2004. Cohera is in the process of commercializing a biocompatible, resorbable adhesive that can be used internally during surgery.
Gena M. Kovalcik
Codirector,
Administration and External Relations
412-624-9698
gmk9@pitt.edu
Gena rejoined Pitt's School of Engineering in July 2003 as codirector of the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation. She has 10 years of experience in development, marketing, and external relations.
Gena previously served as vice president for development at Shady Side Academy and, before that, as senior executive director of development and alumni relations at Pitt's School of Engineering. Prior to working at Pitt's engineering school, she managed donor relations and special events at Carnegie Mellon University. A native of Pittsburgh, she holds a BA from Penn State University in journalism and political science and a Master's of Management and Public Policy with a certificate in nonprofit management from Pitt. In 1997, Gena received the Outstanding Young Woman Professional Award.
Gena is currently serving on the following committees:
* The Higher Education Climate Coalition
* The Allegheny County Green Action Team
* Pittsburgh Green Innovators
Laura Schaefer
Deputy Director
412-624-9793
laschaef@pitt.edu
Dr. Schaefer is an associate professor in the Pitt engineering school's Department of Mechanical Engineering. She received a BS in mechanical engineering and a BA in English from Rice University in 1995, then received her MS and PhD degress from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1997 and 2000, respectively. Dr. Schaefer conducts energy systems research in areas such as two-phase binary zeotropic flow in microchannels, flat-tube solid oxide fuel cell heat and mass transfer modeling, manufacturing and operational heat transfer characterization for three-dimensional chip architectures, microscale PEM fuel cell heat and water management issues, and hybrid fuel cell-turbine power generation life-cycle assessment and optimization. In conducting this research, she directs an integrated team of undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers.
Dr. Schaefer received a CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation and the New Investigator Award from the Amercian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. She serves as the faculty advisor for the student chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and faculty counselor for the Society of Women Engineers. Dr. Schaefer holds various offices in the Advanced Energy Systems Division of ASME.
Melissa Bilec
Assistant Director for Education and Outreach
412-648-8075
mbilec@pitt.edu
From a broad perspective, Dr. Bilec's research and teaching interests encompass engineering issues related to sustainability, green design, and construction. Her recent research efforts include not only creating a practical framework for hybrid life-cycle assessment modeling, including uncertainty and visualizations, but also modeling onsite construction processes and support services. She is conducting research related to green building metrics to understand and evaluate high-performance buildings. Dr. Bilec has experience in funding and managing sustainable transportation projects, including the Hot Metal Pedestrian Bridge project. In 2009, Dr. Bilec received the Provost's Innovation Award For Enhancing Crosscutting Sustainability Education in Civil Engineering.
Dr.
Bilec is also the co-chair of the Higher Education Climate Consultium.
Several of Dr. Bilec's specific research areas include:
- Hybrid life-cycle assessment modeling;
- Modeling environmental impacts of building construction, including support sector;
- Project-delivery methods and green buildings;
- Green building metrics;
- Analyzing the design and construction processes of green buildings with a focus on children's hospitals; and
- Greening government initiatives and strategies.
Kim Wisniewski
Office Manager
412-624-6718
kaw54@pitt.edu
Kim joined the Mascaro Center in June 2004. She manages all office activities including scheduling, purchasing, and budget management. She also helps with oversight of all Mascaro Center events, including the undergraduate summer program, annual advisory board meeting and the biannual conference; in addition, she assists with marketing efforts, including primary accountability for content on the organization’s Web site. Kim has a BA in communications from Penn State University.
