Pitt Swanson School of Engineering Announces Creation of New Sustainability
Initiative
PITTSBURGH—The University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering announced the
creation of the Mascaro Sustainability Initiative (MSI) earlier this month. The
MSI will build on the Swanson School of Engineering's educational program in green
construction by helping to define the next generation of research in
sustainability. According to University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Mark A.
Nordenberg, "This unique new research initiative will help the University of
Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering become a leader in sustainability research by
creating opportunities for national and international collaborations to solve
real-world problems and to create a safer global environment."
The engineering initiative received seed funding earlier this year from the
Heinz Endowments and the George (ENGR '13) and Eva Bevier Estate. Pitt
engineering alumnus John C. (Jack) Mascaro (ENGR '66, '80G) recently
contributed a generous lead gift, which enabled the Swanson School of Engineering to
embark on this new research program.
In the spring of 2004, MSI will award seed grants in the research areas of green
construction and sustainable water use. These awards will nurture collaborative
projects based on strong, innovative research.
Although the challenges related to sustainability have been studied extensively
by researchers from such fields as economics, public policy, and architecture,
real-world solutions have lagged significantly behind, according to U.S. Steel
Dean of Engineering Gerald D. Holder.
"This newest resource will allow us to create the next generation of
sustainable products and processes," said MSI Codirector Eric J. Beckman,
Bayer Professor and chair of Pitt's Department of Chemical and Petroleum
Engineering.
The Mascaro Initiative will conduct educational and outreach programs and
sponsor a biannual scientific conference, bringing together academic and
research professionals from various disciplines to share their expertise. The
first conference is scheduled to be held in spring 2005.
"The generosity of both Jack Mascaro and the Heinz Endowments and the bequest
from George Bevier present a unique opportunity for the Swanson School of Engineering to
develop this leading-edge academic and research program whose work will have a
profound impact on sustainability," said Holder.
