Development and Alumni Staff
The mission of the Swanson School of Engineering is to produce highly qualified engineers and useful creative research and technology through academic excellence.
All SSoE News Investing Now Covid-19 Bioengineering Chemical & Petroleum Civil & Environmental Electrical & Computer Industrial MEMS Open Positions Diversity Student Profiles Office of Development & Alumni Affairs Nuclear
Eric Beckman elected newest National Academy of Inventors Fellow from University of Pittsburgh
Chemical & Petroleum, Office of Development & Alumni Affairs
PITTSBURGH (December 8, 2020) ... Eric Beckman, Distinguished Service Professor of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering in the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, was elected a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors 2020 cohort. Beckman is the eighth Pitt faculty member to be named an NAI Fellow, and the second with a primary appointment in the Swanson School. He has nearly 200 peer-reviewed journal articles, 26 book chapters, and receipt of 40 U.S. patents with more pending. "Eric truly is a holistic engineer who understands and exemplifies the connections between academics, research, student engagement, and lifelong learning," noted James R. Martin II, U.S. Steel Dean of Engineering. "His dedication to imbuing sustainability throughout engineering has not only impacted our Swanson School community, but also the entire university and our many colleagues across the country. He is most deserving of this honor which represents creating new knowledge that benefits the human condition."Beckman's research focuses on molecular design, biomedical polymers, green product engineering, and sustainability. In 2003, shortly after he became interim chair of chemical and petroleum engineering, he co-founded the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation (MCSI) through a gift from alumnus John C. "Jack" Mascaro (BSCE '66, MSCE '80), with the mission of catalyzing sustainability innovation and education across the University and in the region. MCSI is also co-host, with Carnegie Mellon University, of the biennial Engineering Sustainability Conference. Dr. Beckman's research group examines the use of molecular design to solve problems in green product formulation and in the design of materials for use in tissue engineering. In 2005, he co-founded Cohera Medical Inc. to commercialize surgical adhesive technology developed at the University. Dr. Beckman took an entrepreneurial leave of absence from the University in 2007-2009 to help move the products to market. Beckman is currently leading a grant from the MacArthur Foundation and NineSigma, in collaboration with Think Beyond Plastic, to develop innovations to reduce the amount of plastics that end up being burned or buried in landfills, or make their way into the world's waterways and oceans. Part of the foundation's Circular Materials Challenge, the research focus has generated additional funding from the National Science Foundation for other faculty at the Swanson School engaging in circular economy issues, particularly global waste. His dedication to student learning and engagement earned funding from the Heinz Endowments to create a "Sustainable Entrepreneurship" course, followed by a three-course innovation sequence: Introduction to Business Principles; Product Design for Chemical Engineers; and Chemical Product Prototyping. Some students from these courses have successfully competed in the University's Randall Family Big Idea Competition and launched their own startup companies. "Eric is one of the leading tissue engineering researchers in the country and his inventions in this field were groundbreaking," added Steven R. Little, the William Kepler Whiteford Professor and Chair of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at Pitt. "However, a true inventor is also a mentor, advisor, and colleague who shares his expertise with others and guides them toward their own creative success. For this he is truly deserving of joining the NAI."Other NAI fellows at Pitt include: Stephen F. Badylak, DVM, PhD, MD, Professor of Surgery, Deputy Director of the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine (MIRM), and Director of the Center for Pre-Clinical Tissue Engineering at MIRM (secondary appointment in Bioengineering) Rory A. Cooper, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research for STEM-Health Sciences Collaborations, and founding director and VA senior research career scientist of the Human Engineering Research Laboratories (secondary appointment in Bioengineering) William Federspiel, Distinguished Professor of Bioengineering, and founder of ALung Technologies (secondary appointment in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering) Mir Imran, adjunct faculty in Bioengineering, Coulter Translational Research Partners II Program, and CEO of InCube Labs Rob Rutenbar, Senior Vice Chancellor for Research (joint appointments in Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science) Rocky S. Tuan, Vice-Chancellor and President of The Chinese University of Hong Kong; at Pitt the former Director of the Center for Cellular and Molecular Engineering; the Arthur J. Rooney Sr. Professor and Executive Vice Chair, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery; Associate Director, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine; and Director, Center for Military Medicine Research (secondary appointments in Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science) William R. Wagner, Director of the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Distinguished Professor of Surgery (secondary appointments in Bioengineering and Chemical and Petroleum Engineering) ###
Amerigo Allegretto and Paul Kovach
Inaugural Spirit of Pitt Award Recipients - Both Engineering Students - Honored at Virtual Homecoming
All SSoE News, MEMS, Student Profiles, Office of Development & Alumni Affairs
This story originally appeared in Pittwire. Reposted with permission. On Saturday, Oct. 24, the Pitt Alumni Association began a new chapter of the University's Homecoming tradition: Alexis Zito and Jonathan Perlman, both mechanical engineering majors in the Swanson School of Engineering, were the first students to win the Spirit of Pitt award. The award, which comes in the place of the titles Homecoming king and queen, aims to creative a more inclusive tradition that emphasizes the diversity of and pride in the Pitt community. In conjunction with the Blue & Gold Society and the Student Alumni Association, the Pitt Alumni Association reimagined what it means to be a part of Pitt's Homecoming Court—removing the award's focus on royalty and the construct of a gender-binary and instead creating a tradition that more pointedly celebrates Pitt's values of service, spirit and social justice. Although the coronavirus pandemic prevented the traditional on-field awards ceremony at Heinz Field, the history-making announcement, which featured blue and silver confetti poppers and a pregame special message Tweeted out by Chancellor Patrick Gallagher, was live-streamed via the Heinz Field Jumbotron as well as Pitt's social media channels. And out of 10 finalists in the Homecoming Court, the two winners happened to be campaign partners. "We had mutual friends but had never really talked" before becoming Homecoming Court finalists, said Perlman of Zito. As the only two engineering students as finalists for the award, they saw an opportunity to work together. During his early years at Pitt, Perlman, a fifth-year student from Long Island, was quick to bleed blue and gold, showing his support for Panthers football in the front row of the student section of Heinz Field. But after the October 2018 shooting at Tree of Life synagogue in Squirrel Hill, Perlman's involvement in the Pitt and Pittsburgh communities took on deeper meaning. As part of the executive board of Zeta Beta Tau, a Jewish fraternity, Perlman helped organize a fundraiser in response to the tragedy, helping to raising $10,000 for the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. He is also on the board of Engineering Student Council and part of the leadership society Omicron Delta Kappa. "The campus has really refined me," Perlman said of his time at Pitt and of how he has come to embody the Spirit of Pitt. "I really like the new meaning behind [the award]… I think it's great." Zito's connection to Pitt began with her parents, who met as engineering students at Pitt. After Zito attended high school at Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy—located directly next to the Swanson School of Engineering's Benedum Hall in Oakland—Pitt was already such a big part of her life that it felt like her perfect collegiate fit. As a mechanical engineering senior, Zito serves as vice president of Pitt's Society of Women Engineers and an engineering ambassador for the Swanson School. She is also a member of the engineering sorority Phi Sigma Rho, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and a host of other Pitt clubs. Moving forward, Zito hopes to carry the "Spirit of Pitt" with her through graduation and beyond. "The award has given me…confidence," she said "I can achieve anything if I work hard to make it happen, which is one of the ideals that I think really embodies the Spirit of Pitt. I plan to carry this message, and all of the positive messages of Pitt, with me in my life." Other Spirit of Pitt finalists were Grace Antol, Cameron Clarke, Sydney DuBose, Beatrice Fadrigon, Brendan Gunde, Blya Krouba, Carl Smith and Jessica Taylor. ###
Author: Susan Wiedel, Office of University Communications & Marketing
Pitt Engineering Alumnus Dedicates Major Gift Toward Undergraduate Tuition Support
All SSoE News, Bioengineering, Chemical & Petroleum, Civil & Environmental, Electrical & Computer, Industrial, MEMS, Student Profiles, Office of Development & Alumni Affairs, Nuclear, Diversity, Investing Now
PITTSBURGH (October 21, 2020) … An eight-figure donation from an anonymous graduate of the Swanson School of Engineering and spouse to the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering in their estate planning to provide financial aid to undergraduate students who are enrolled in the Pitt EXCEL Program. Announced today by Pitt Chancellor Patrick Gallagher and US Steel Dean of Engineering James R. Martin II, the donors' bequest will provide tuition support for underprivileged or underrepresented engineering students who are residents of the United States of America and in need of financial aid. "I am extremely grateful for this gift, which supports the University of Pittsburgh's efforts to tackle one of society's greatest challenges—the inequity of opportunity," Gallagher said. "Put into action, this commitment will help students from underrepresented groups access a world-class Pitt education and—in doing so—help elevate the entire field of engineering." "Our dedication as engineers is to create new knowledge that benefits the human condition, and that includes educating the next generation of engineers. Our students' success informs our mission, and I am honored and humbled that our donors are vested in helping to expand the diversity of engineering students at Pitt," Martin noted. "Often the most successful engineers are those who have the greatest need or who lack access, and support such as this is critical to expanding our outreach and strengthening the role of engineers in society." A Gift to Prepare the Workforce of the Future Martin noted that the gift is timely because it was made shortly after Chancellor Gallagher's call this past summer to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all, especially for the University's future students. The gift – and the donors' passion for the Swanson School – show that there is untapped potential as well as significant interest in addressing unmet need for students who represent a demographic shift in the American workforce. "By 2050, when the U.S. will have a minority-majority population, two-thirds of the American workforce will require a post-secondary education," Martin explained. "We are already reimagining how we deliver engineering education and research, and generosity such as this will lessen the financial burden that students will face to prepare for that future workforce." A Half-Century of IMPACT on Engineering Equity In 1969 the late Dr. Karl Lewis (1/15/1936-3/5/2019) founded the IMPACT Program at the University of Pittsburgh to encourage minority and financially and culturally disadvantaged students to enter and graduate from the field of engineering. The six-week program prepared incoming first year students through exposure to university academic life, development of study skills, academic and career counseling, and coursework to reinforce strengths or remedy weaknesses. Many Pitt alumni today still note the role that Lewis and IMPACT had on their personal and professional lives. Under Lewis' leadership, IMPACT sparked the creation of two award-winning initiatives within the Swanson School's Office of Diversity: INVESTING NOW, a college preparatory program created to stimulate, support, and recognize the high academic performance of pre-college students from groups that are historically underrepresented in STEM majors. Pitt EXCEL, a comprehensive undergraduate diversity program committed to the recruitment, retention, and graduation of academically excellent engineering undergraduates, particularly individuals from groups historically underrepresented in the field. "Dr. Lewis, like so many of his generation, started a movement that grew beyond one person's idea," said Yvette Wisher, Director of Pitt EXCEL. "Anyone who talks to today's EXCEL students can hear the passion of Dr. Lewis and see how exceptional these young people will be as engineers and individuals. They and the hundreds of students who preceded them are the reason why Pitt EXCEL is game-changer for so many." Since its inception, Pitt EXCEL has helped more than 1,500 students earn their engineering degrees and become leaders and change agents in their communities. Ms. Wisher says the most important concept she teaches students who are enrolled in the program is to give back however they can once they graduate—through mentorship, volunteerism, philanthropy, or advocacy. Supporting the Change Agents of Tomorrow "Pitt EXCEL is a home - but more importantly, a family. The strong familial bonds within Pitt EXCEL are what attracted me to Swanson as a graduating high school senior, what kept me going throughout my time in undergrad and what keeps me energized to this very day as a PhD student," explained Isaiah M. Spencer Williams, BSCE '19 and currently a pre-doctoral student in the Swanson School's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. "Pitt EXCEL is a family where iron sharpens iron and where we push each other to be the best that we can be every day. Beyond that, it is a space where you are not only holistically nurtured and supported but are also groomed to pave the way for and invest into those who are coming behind you. "Pitt EXCEL, and by extension, Dr. Lewis' legacy and movement are the reasons why I am the leader and change agent that I am today. This generous gift will ensure a bright future for underrepresented engineering students in the Pitt EXCEL Program, and will help to continue the outstanding development of the change agents of tomorrow."  Setting a Foundation for Community Support "Next year marks the 51st anniversary of IMPACT/EXCEL as well as the 175th year of engineering at Pitt and the 50th anniversary of Benedum Hall," Dean Martin said. "The Swanson School of Engineering represents 28,000 alumni around the world, who in many ways are life-long students of engineering beyond the walls of Benedum, but who share pride in being Pitt Engineers. "The key to our future success is working together as a global community to find within ourselves how we can best support tomorrow's students," Martin concluded. "We should all celebrate this as a foundational cornerstone gift for greater engagement." ###
Bioengineering Alumnae Establish Undergraduate Scholarship
Bioengineering, Office of Development & Alumni Affairs
PITTSBURGH (Sept. 16, 2020) … Two bioengineering alumnae from the University of Pittsburgh established a scholarship for students, who like them, are passionate about STEM education. The Stephanie F. Coquia and Angela L. Fu Scholarship in Bioengineering will provide support for tuition and other education-related expenses for a sophomore, junior, or senior student in good academic standing in the Department of Bioengineering at the Swanson School of Engineering. Preference will be given to students who reside in states outside of Pennsylvania and who have demonstrated involvement in extracurricular activities in high school. Drs. Coquia (BS BioE '02) and Fu (BS BioE '03), who became friends during their time at Pitt, want to acknowledge the program's impact on their professional lives and provide support for current students to experience the same opportunity. "I wouldn't be where I am today without the University of Pittsburgh and the Department of Bioengineering, and I wouldn't have gone to Pitt or gotten a bioengineering degree if I hadn't received a scholarship," said Dr. Coquia. "So, this is my way of giving back. I am happy to be sponsoring this scholarship with Angela." "The one thing that I have enjoyed most after graduating and starting my career is mentoring current students in their post graduation and career choices," said Dr. Fu. "The scholarship will hopefully assist one student financially so they can focus on the decisions affecting their future." The pair studied in the department during its nascent years and flourished along with the program. Since its first graduating class in 2000, the number of degrees awarded has tripled from roughly 20 in 2000 to 66 this past spring semester. "I am thankful to Stephanie and Angela for their generosity. It is wonderful to see our former students thrive in their professional careers and want to give back to the department," said Sanjeev Shroff, distinguished professor and Gerald E. McGinnis Chair of bioengineering. "I am delighted that this scholarship will help provide a Swanson School education to deserving students and contribute to the growing number of successful bioengineering alumni." # # #
In Memoriam: John C. "Jack" Mascaro BSCE '66 MSCE '80, 1944-2020
Bioengineering, Chemical & Petroleum, Civil & Environmental, Electrical & Computer, Industrial, MEMS, Student Profiles, Office of Development & Alumni Affairs
From James R. Martin II, U.S. Steel Dean of Engineering: It is with great sadness to inform you that Jack Mascaro BSCE '66 MSCE '80, one of our outstanding alumni, volunteers, advocates, and benefactors, passed away this weekend after a hard-fought battle with illness. On behalf of our Swanson School community, I extend our deep condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.Jack was a creative, caring juggernaut of ideas and inspiration, and his passing leaves an emptiness in our hearts and minds. It was an incredible honor and privilege to work with him during my short tenure as dean thus far, but I know those of you who have a long history with Jack and his family experienced a deep connection and now share a tremendous loss. I hope your memories of his lighthearted spirit, curious intellect, and enthusiasm for our students and programs provide solace and smiles.As one of our Distinguished Alumni, Jack was lauded by the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the School for his contributions to Pitt, the region, and the profession, and was also honored by the University with the Chancellor's Medallion. Thanks to his beneficence, the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation and our focus on sustainability will continue his legacy for generations. Most importantly, it was his passion for sustainability, and what he saw as its inexorable link to engineering, that will forever inform our mission to create new knowledge for the benefit of the human condition. He truly was an engineer's engineer, and we can never thank him and his family enough for his generosity of mind and spirit. Please join me in expressing our sympathies to the Mascaro Family, and to thank them for Jack's impact on our students, alumni, and entire Swanson School community. Visitation will be held this Thursday in McMurray and you may leave thoughts for the family at his obituary page. Sincerely,Jimmy Other Remembrances Some Random and Personal Observations. Jeffrey Burd, Tall Timber Group & Breaking Ground Magazine (7-21-20). Jack Mascaro, founder of one of Pittsburgh's largest construction firms, dies at 76. Tim Schooley, Pittsburgh Business Times (7-22-20). Pittsburgh builder and sustainability pioneer Jack Mascaro dies after long illness. Paul Guggenheimer, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (7-23-20). John C. 'Jack' Mascaro / Builder of Heinz Field, science center embraced 'green' construction. Janice Crompton, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (7-27-20). Founder of Mascaro Construction, Heinz Field builder, dies at age 75. Harry Funk, Washington Observer-Reporter (8-1-20).
Making a Sustainable Impact Throughout Pitt and Our Communities
All SSoE News, Bioengineering, Chemical & Petroleum, Civil & Environmental, Electrical & Computer, Industrial, MEMS, Student Profiles, Office of Development & Alumni Affairs
"MCSI remains committed to addressing global sustainability issues, connecting our domestic and international pursuits to create synergies locally, nationally, and internationally. We hope you enjoy this summary of the past year's impacts, and we'd be happy to answer any questions you might have about the report's contents and MCSI's programs."
A Message from U.S. Steel Dean James Martin II on the 155th Celebration of Juneteenth
All SSoE News, Diversity, Office of Development & Alumni Affairs, Investing Now
Pitt alumna and Alabama engineer Renee Corbett '16 helping NYC homeless fight COVID-19
Covid-19, Civil & Environmental, Diversity, Student Profiles, Office of Development & Alumni Affairs
This story was originally published by AL.com. In New York City, the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States, the virus that's forced most people indoors is forcing the homeless outdoors. Renee Corbett, a native of Huntsville who works with the international aid group, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontieres, or MSF, has seen it first-hand. Corbett, a civil and environmental engineer by training, is in New York working with an MSF team providing hygiene service and infection control to New York's homeless population. With public bathrooms and recreation centers closed, the places where homeless people could bathe are gone. So Corbett's team operates two mobile shower facilities for people that need it. "At our showers we are meeting many people who say that they are choosing to live on the streets instead of in shelters because they feel that they are safer from COVID-19 on the streets," she said. Before the global pandemic, Corbett had worked primarily in Africa, providing water and hygiene to people in Ethiopia and Sudan. It seems odd that providing a simple need: clean water and a place to bathe, would be just as necessary in America's largest city as it is in wilds of Africa. ... Read the full article here.
Author: Shelly Haskins, AL.com
Swanson School of Engineering Names Natasa Vidic as 2020 Outstanding Educator
Industrial, Diversity, Office of Development & Alumni Affairs
PITTSBURGH (May 5, 2020) — The University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering recognized Natasa Vidic, PhD, assistant professor of industrial engineering, with the 2020 Outstanding Educator Award. This competitive award recognizes her excellence in teaching and innovative work in improving learning methodologies for undergraduate students. The award includes a $2,000 grant to further enhance the recipient's teaching. Vidic received her PhD from the University of Pittsburgh in 2008 and hired as a Visiting Professor immediately after. She joined the Department of Industrial Engineering as an assistant professor in 2010. Since then, she has taught over 3,500 engineering students and frequently has more than 200 students per semester. "Natasa has worked tirelessly as a valued member of the Undergraduate Committee to make sure our students receive the best possible learning experience," said Bopaya Bidanda, PhD, Ernest E. Roth Professor and chair of the Department of Industrial Engineering. "She is always working towards improve her courses each year both in content and technique, and has led the effort to review core course content in the entire curriculum to ensure that there is no duplication, and that technical material is integrated in a logical progression." In addition to her course load and committee work, Vidic has spent the past decade researching engineering education, where she focuses on improving engineering students' learning strategies through models and modeling. "This award reaffirms my past efforts to improve student learning outcomes," said Vidic. "It inspires me to work even harder to make sure that we continue to offer outstanding education to our students and help them reach their potential." Vidic was one of the first faculty members in the Swanson School to "flip" her class, a teaching method that presents the lecture content online for students to watch before class, leaving class time for discussing and applying the material. "Since the very first course I took from Dr. Vidic, I admired her ability to engage a classroom. Even in a setting of over eighty students, you never felt as though you were just sitting through another hour and a half lecture," said Sean Callaghan, who graduated with his BS in industrial engineering in 2019. "Most of the time, you were having a conversation with either a small group or the entire room and talking through the complex theories and problems that Dr. Vidic had just presented that day." Vidic's open-door policy has solidified her role as a mentor and advisor to a growing number of undergraduates. Among them is senior industrial engineering student Jacob Richards, who said, "I fervently believe that there is no faculty member like her, that she is one of those special cases that mean so much to people like me and that without her, I would not be where I am today." The Outstanding Educator Award is usually presented in person at a meeting for faculty; however, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the award was announced by U.S. Steel Dean of Engineering James R. Martin II in his address to the graduating industrial engineering class. "Improving the way we teach and serve students is a goal toward which we strive, and Natasa has been a tremendous role model in that respect," said Martin. "The Swanson School is proud to have her among our faculty as she emboldens the next generation of the engineers to solve the toughest problems and advance the human condition."
Maggie Pavlick
ExOne and Pitt Collaborate to Produce Promising Reusable Respirators with 3D Printed Metal Filters
Covid-19, MEMS, Office of Development & Alumni Affairs
News release originally published by ExOne. Reposted with permission. PITTSBURGH (April 27, 2020) ... The ExOne Company and the University of Pittsburgh have partnered to develop reusable metal filters that fit into a specially designed respirator cartridge for sustainable, long-term protection against contaminants, such as COVID-19. ExOne's binder jetting technology is a high-speed form of 3D printing that can produce metal parts with specific porosity levels that can effectively filter out contaminants while allowing airflow. ExOne has 3D printed respirator filters in two metals — copper and 316L stainless steel — and a range of porosity levels for use inside a unique cartridge designed by the Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science department in Pitt's Swanson School of Engineering. Initial testing for airflow and filtration efficiency is currently underway, and the filters are being optimized with the goal of adhering to an N95 respirator standard. "Our team has been working urgently to expedite this promising and reusable solution for medical personnel on the frontlines of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic," said John Hartner, ExOne CEO. "Our customers routinely print porous metal filters for a variety of purposes, and we are confident that we'll have a solution soon that can enable medical personnel to sterilize metal filters for repeated reuse, eliminating waste. Once approved, we can print these filters in a variety of sizes for respirators, ventilators, anesthesia masks or other equipment." "The advantage of binder jet 3D printing over other additive manufacturing methods for this filter application is the ability to utilize the porosity of the printed part and then fine tune it during the high temperature densification or sintering process to achieve optimum filtering and airflow performance," said Markus Chmielus, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at the Swanson School. 3D Printed Metal Filter Project Details ExOne's binder jetting technology uses an industrial printhead to selectively deposit a liquid binder onto a thin layer of powdered material, layer by layer, until a final object is formed. After 3D printing powdered metals, the object is then sintered in a furnace to dial in a specific level of porosity. While binder jetted metal is typically sintered to full density, some applications require a specific level of porosity, such as filters. To test filters in different metals and porosities, Dr. Chmielus' research group is using CT scanners to analyze the microstructure and porosity of the filters. Ansys, the global leader in engineering simulation, also based near Pittsburgh, is providing additional computer simulation support to analyze and optimize the performance of the filters. While copper and stainless steel filters are currently being tested, copper has been known to have antibacterial properties since ancient times. The first recorded use of copper to kill germs was in the Edwin Smith Papyrus, the oldest known medical document in history, according to the Smithsonian. Many studies have proven copper's disinfectant powers. One landmark 2015 study, funded by the Department of Defense, revealed that copper alloys contributed to a 58% reduction in infections. COVID-19 research also suggests the virus dies faster on copper than on other surfaces. ###
Author: Sarah Webster, ExOne Global Marketing Director
Engineering a (Sanitizing) Solution
Covid-19, Chemical & Petroleum, Student Profiles, Office of Development & Alumni Affairs
Repurposed from Pittwire. When labs at the Swanson School of Engineering closed for research purposes, Götz Veser, the Nickolas DeCecco Professor of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering and associate director of the Center for Energy, looked for a way his equipment could be put to use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Riddhesh Patel, one of Veser's graduate students, had an idea: Use the lab's large-scale batch reactors—essentially enormous stirred glass containers—to blend hand sanitizer for UPMC, which is experiencing a severe shortage for their medical personnel. After receiving permission to return to the Pittsburgh campus, Veser, Patel and graduate student Nasser Al Azri set to work. Al Azri maintains and cleans the equipment with support from Patel, as the scope of the effort has increased. Veser supervises production, solicits donations of chemicals needed and shuttles the sanitizer to UPMC's South Side operation. "I do what any good professor does: Stay out of the way and make sure that my students have what they need to do their good work," he said. To date, the lab has produced more than 150 gallons of sanitizer and plans to continue to produce sanitizer as long as it can get supplies. For more information or to contribute supplies, contact Dr. Götz Veser.
IE Senior Samy Helmbacher Earns Second All-ACC Academic Recognition
Industrial, Student Profiles, Office of Development & Alumni Affairs
Originally posted at Pitt Athletics. PITTSBURGH (April 17, 2020) ... Three members of the University of Pittsburgh swimming & diving team were selected to the 2020 All-ACC Academic Team. Pitt senior swimmer Samy Helmbacher earned his second All-ACC Academic recognition, while senior swimmer Eben Vorster and sophomore diver Serena Buchwald were both first-time honorees. "We are extremely proud of these three tremendous student-athletes," said Pitt head coach John Hargis. "This recognition highlights the continued level of accomplishment for each of these athletes as well as our entire program – both in the pool and in the classroom. They are the true definition of the Pitt student-athlete." The ACC has now named 13 Pitt swimmers or divers as worthy of All-ACC Academic Team honors during Coach Hargis' four seasons at the helm of the program. Helmbacher becomes the fourth member of the Pitt swimming & diving program to earn multiple All-ACC Academic Team recognitions since the Panthers joined the conference in 2013-14, following in the footsteps of Kinga Cichowska, Zach Lierley and Meme Sharp. The graduating senior from Rosheim, France, finished his Pitt career as one of the most decorated swimmers in program history. Along with his two All-ACC Academic honors, the individual-medley standout qualified for several ACC championship finals during his four-year collegiate career, earned an ACC medal and qualified for the NCAA Championships – all while studying industrial engineering. The holder of three Pitt records, Helmbacher is also a three-time domestic national champion in his native France and represented his homeland at the 2019 World University Games last summer in Italy. A fellow men's swimming senior, Vorster received his first selection to the All-ACC Academic Team. A film and media studies major, Vorster has been a four-year star for the Panthers in the pool and finished his Pitt career by setting the program record in the 200-yard freestyle and earning his first appearance in an ACC championship final when he qualified for the top heat in the 400-yard individual medley. The Bloemfontein, South Africa native won a domestic national title in his homeland last year and represented South Africa at the World University Games and the World Championships in South Korea. For Buchwald, her first All-ACC Academic Team selection comes after she was named an All-American for this season by the CSCAA in platform diving. Buchwald scored in multiple events at her first ACC Championships, then qualified for the NCAA Championships for the first time after a great performance on platform at the NCAA Zone Diving Meet. The sophomore diver from Winnipeg, Canada, is enrolled in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences.
Alumnus Rodney Kizito BSIE '15 thrives in PhD program at the University of Tennessee
Industrial, Diversity, Student Profiles, Office of Development & Alumni Affairs
Read Rodney's story at the Tickle College of Engineering. Industrial and systems engineering Department Head John Kobza describes PhD student Rodney Kizito as an "industrial engineering cheerleader," and an overall great ambassador for the department. Kizito's dedication and enthusiasm earned him notice as the 2020 Outstanding Graduate Student in ISE. Kizito says of many accomplishments in his time as an Engineering Vol, he is proudest of an article he published in the IEEE journal in January 2020. "It's been a goal of mine my entire five-year graduate career, and to accomplish it in my final year was truly a blessing," he said. The article focused on his research into the optimization of solar-based microgrid system operation. "I'm building a case for why utility companies should consider investing in microgrids as a way to provide power to their serviced regions in the event of a large-scale disturbance, such as a hurricane or tornado, to the traditional power grid." Kizito's motivation stems from a uniquely personal life experience. He migrated with his family to the US from Uganda in 1999 at the tender age of six. "My parents gave up everything to give my siblings and me a chance at a better education, and life in general, here in the States," said Kizito. "My family is one of the fortunate families that gets to chase the American dream from Uganda, thus I wanted to pursue my PhD with a research focus that can help my fellow countrymen back home." More than 40 million people live in Uganda, yet less than 25 percent of the country had access to electricity when Kizito began grad school in 2015. This didn't seem right to him. "The one thing Uganda does have in abundance is the sun," he said. "I decided to pursue a research track focused in harnessing solar energy as a means for power generation. My prayer is that I am able to help bring regular electricity access to my fellow countrymen, and make great use of the opportunity I was blessed to receive to study in the USA." Kizito works both locally and globally to give back to his community. He has worked with UT's chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) to help connect members from across the country to the ISE graduate program at UT. "I enjoyed doing so because I know how beneficial NSBE has been for me in my 10-year collegiate career," he said. "Being a recruiter for the department allows me help open up graduate school opportunities for NSBE members looking to continue their education." He also enthusiastically appreciates the many ways his academic goals have been boosted at UT: acceptance and encouragement from the ISE department; support from the university's grant partnerships with the Department of Energy; and helpful challenges from his advisor, Professor Xueping Li. "Dr. Li has challenged me academically, professionally and personally," said Kizito. "He has challenged how I approach problems, especially those that don't necessarily fall in my lane of expertise. I can't say enough of how grateful I am for his leadership and guidance as my advisor, but even more for how he has cared for me as a person." He looks forward to completing his PhD in December. In the meantime, he couples his research with working with Associate Dean Ozlem Kilic to improve the college's efforts at recruiting students from underrepresented areas of the population. "After graduation, I hope to work for a renewable energy developer while I continue establishing my entrepreneurial consulting firm goals," said Kizito. "I will forever be a proud graduate of Big Orange." ###
Author: Tickle College of Engineering
Learn more about Pitt's planning and response to COVID-19
Bioengineering, Chemical & Petroleum, Civil & Environmental, Electrical & Computer, Industrial, MEMS, Diversity, Student Profiles, Office of Development & Alumni Affairs
Please visit and bookmark the University of Pittsburgh COVID-19 site for the most up-to-date information and a full list of resources. From the University Times: As the coronavirus COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, Pitt is remaining diligent with addressing related issues as the pop up. For an overall look at updates from Pitt, go to emergency.pitt.edu. On Saturday, Provost Ann Cudd issued a statement about how to support faculty and staff who have committed to attending professional conferences this semester and choose not to attend due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The University will grant an exception for travel booked through May 31 and reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by those who decide to cancel travel. The administration will reassess this deadline date as COVID-19 evolves and may extend the deadline as conditions evolve. For more updates from the provost, go to provost.pitt.edu. The provost and the University Center for Teaching and Learning is encouraging faculty to be prepared if remote learning situations become required. The center has set up a page detailing the basics of providing instructional continuity. The page will be updated regularly. Find information about remote learning and more at teaching.pitt.edu/instructional-continuity. All business units and responsibilities centers also are being asked to work on how to handle mass absenteeism and/or the need for as many people as possible to work at home.
MBA & CAP Award Scholarships to Pitt Engineering Students
Civil & Environmental, Student Profiles, Office of Development & Alumni Affairs
MBA/CAP News Release. Posted with permission. PITTSBURGH (January 22, 2020) ... The Master Builders' Association of Western Pennsylvania, Inc. (MBA) and the Construction Advancement Program (CAP) awarded three scholarships this year at the MBA's Annual Membership Reception. The scholarship awardees were Derek Miller, Anthony Mash, and Rachel Dancer. Collectively, the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering's Construction Management/Civil Engineering Program students received $15,000. Derek Miller took the top prize of an $8,000 scholarship. Miller is the returning champion, having taken first place last year as well. Anthony Mash and Rachel Dancer were in a statistical tie for second place, so the prize was split, awarding each student $3,500. "Congratulations to the scholarship winners, who are all Civil Engineering students with a Construction Management focus. We are grateful to the Master Builders Association and the Construction Advancement Program for providing these scholarships annually to deserving Pitt students," said John T. Sebastian, Professor of Practice and Director of the Construction Management program. Providing annual scholarships to students in the University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering is something near and dear to the MBA & CAP. In the early 1990s CAP responded to an inquiry from the School's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering to do a needs assessment of the construction community so that Pitt could expand its engineering studies into areas that would improve the skills and the marketability of its graduates. The CAP Board of Trustees worked with university faculty to help set goals for what is now the Pitt Construction Management Program. Since the MBA & CAP teamed to provide annual scholarships in 1998, more than $200,000 in scholarships have been provided. This year's recipients were honored at the 2020 MBA Annual Membership Reception, held on Friday, January 17, at the Duquesne Club. To view photos from the event, please click here. About CAP: The Construction Advancement Program is a service organization established in 1961 via the collective bargaining agreements between the MBA and the various building trades unions. The primary function of CAP is to provide services benefiting all persons, management and labor alike, who earn their living in union construction.About the MBA Since 1886, MBA contractors have set the standard in Western PA for construction excellence by investing in a skilled workforce, implementing award-winning safety programs and offering the best in management expertise. For more information on the MBA, please call 412-922-3912 or visit www.mbawpa.org. ###
Master Builders' Association
Shaping the Future of Pitt
Originally published in Pittwire. Reposed with permission. Anila Ghosh has a lot of ideas about how the University of Pittsburgh can shape its next five years. "Diversity is really important to me as a woman engineer," said Ghosh, who's working toward her degree from the Swanson School of Engineering. That's why the third-year student is bringing her ideas to the table for the Plan for Pitt 2025, Pitt's new strategic plan that will define the University's priorities and guide the path to accomplish those goals over the next five years. Students, faculty and staff from all of Pitt's campuses are encouraged to participate in the input process, which will culminate in the new plan, to be introduced later this year. "It's the socially responsible thing to do. Whenever I make decisions like this, I like to think about what would happen if everybody acted the way I'm acting," said Ghosh at a planning workshop open to all undergraduate students. "If I didn't come tonight, there would be one less engineer here. There would be one less woman here." Daniel Rudy also came to the workshop with his own suggestions for the Plan for Pitt 2025. And as a third-year student, he's seizing the opportunity to share his ideas—to leave a legacy, he said. "We operate like a small city. If we don't say something now, there's not going to be anyone to make those changes for the next class of students or the next generation," said Rudy, a triple-major working toward degrees in the School of Computing and Information and in economics and mathematics, both in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. Setting the focus Over pizza, large sheets of white notebook paper and bold-colored markers, Ghosh and Rudy worked with their peers to delve into the six goals from the original Plan for Pitt that will serve as the basis for the Plan for Pitt 2025. In smaller groups, the students defined goals, identified outcomes and set forth some actions on how to reach those goals. Some suggestions from the workshop participants: having access to more pre-professional and career advisors, creating more art studios on campus, expanding locations for study abroad programs and improving the visibility of disability resources. "I talked about bringing in professors with diverse cultural experiences and giving them a platform to talk about their expertise, even if it's not in a standard class environment," said Rudy. "I also talked about getting more students into study abroad programs that are better funded so students from low-income families can have the opportunity to go abroad." Ghosh emphasized diversity and interdisciplinary learning in her suggestions. "Success looks like having more students who are in personalized learning experiences versus following a traditional major path," said Ghosh, who is minoring in classics in the Dietrich School to complement her engineering degree. She added, "It's impossible to be using all of your resources to the fullest if everyone in your classes has the same background. It's important to not just focus on what's in your major or what's available within your comfort zone." All voices welcome Faculty, staff and graduate students will also have the opportunity to collaborate and provide their feedback at additional workshops. Every school or unit has identified a liaison for the Plan for Pitt 2025 process. Amanda Leifson said she plans to attend the workshop specific to graduate students. "I heard that the Plan for Pitt was coming down the line, and I was excited as I'm getting ready to leave Pitt to share my experiences. It's really reflective," said Leifson, who for the past two years has worked as executive administrator for the Graduate and Professional Student Government. "The fact that Pitt is reaching out to grad students and learning about our experiences straight from us is a good sign." Leifson, who is pursuing a PhD in political science and government in the Dietrich School, said she plans to make suggestions to the Plan for Pitt that elevate the awareness and the voice of graduate students. She also want to advocate for a physical space for graduate students to network and build relationships across disciplines. Alex Toner, assistant director of community engagement in the Office of Community and Governmental Relations, is eager to get involved as well. "I've been part of three different departments in the University and have been here for about six or seven years now, so I've seen the whole process of one plan play out," said Toner. "I think it's valuable for those varied perspectives from across our campuses and communities to be involved in these opportunities. I think it's really important for everyone to be able to participate in the strategic plan to allow for such an open and transparent process. So I'm really just looking forward to adding my voice to that and being a positive part of the future of the University." Here's how to get involved: Register for one of the scheduled workshops and focus groups. The events will be held on all five of Pitt's campuses and in the greater community throughout January and February. Can't make it in person? There's also an online survey to provide feedback. Anyone with an interest in the future of Pitt can submit comments. Once all the input is gathered, it will be shared with goal-specific committees, which will shape objectives and make proposals based on feedback from the Pitt community and other stakeholders. The target is to start working toward these goals as early as the next calendar year. "Students, faculty, staff, alumni—we want to hear from everyone. The Plan for Pitt 2025 will guide the direction of the University over the next five years," said Melissa Schild, assistant vice chancellor for strategic planning and performance, who is leading the process of the Plan for Pitt 2025. "Strong participation will result in a plan that everybody can use as a foundation for moving forward. It will position Pitt to make an even bigger impact." ###
Margo Shear Fischgrund, Communications Manager
Social Networks Alumni Clubs
Pitt Civil Engineering Alumni Club
Find an Alumni Club Near You
Join the Pitt Online Community
SSOE graduates can sign up for the Pitt Online Community where you can keep in touch with former classmates, and much more. Membership is exclusive and free.
Returning Visitors - Log in now
First time Visitors - Register now to take advantage of all the benefits of Alumni Community membership!